afters: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Informal, casual
Quick answer
What does “afters” mean?
Dessert, the sweet course served after the main meal.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Dessert, the sweet course served after the main meal.
Any supplementary experience or event that occurs after something else, often used figuratively for subsequent events.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Common in British English; almost non-existent in American English, where 'dessert' or 'pudding' are used.
Connotations
Has a nostalgic, homely, and slightly childish feel in British English.
Frequency
Very frequent in UK casual speech; extremely rare in American English.
Grammar
How to Use “afters” in a Sentence
[verb] + for + afters (e.g., wait for afters)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; only in very informal business lunches where participants are familiar.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Common in casual conversation and family settings in the UK.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “afters”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Using 'an afters' (it's uncountable).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is strictly informal and casual, primarily used in spoken British English.
It is extremely rare and would likely cause confusion. Americans use 'dessert' or 'pudding' (in some regions).
It is an uncountable (mass) noun. You do not say 'an afters' or 'two afters'. You say 'some afters' or 'What's for afters?'
They are often used interchangeably in informal contexts to mean 'dessert'. 'Afters' is slightly more colloquial and child-friendly. 'Pudding' can also refer to specific types of desserts (e.g., sticky toffee pudding).
Dessert, the sweet course served after the main meal.
Afters: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɑːf.təz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæf.tɚz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The main course was good, but the afters were the star of the show.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'AFTER Supper' or 'AFTER the main meal, we have S' for sweet.
Conceptual Metaphor
SWEET IS A REWARD (the afters is the reward for eating your main course).
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is 'afters' most commonly used and understood to mean 'dessert'?