anorak: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Neutral (for garment); Informal (for person, UK)
Quick answer
What does “anorak” mean?
A hooded jacket designed to protect against cold and wind, typically made of waterproof material.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A hooded jacket designed to protect against cold and wind, typically made of waterproof material.
(Chiefly British, informal) A person who is obsessively and unfashionably interested in a niche or technical subject; a geek or enthusiast.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The garment sense is understood but less common in the US, where 'parka' or 'windbreaker' are more frequent. The 'obsessive enthusiast' sense is almost exclusively British.
Connotations
In the UK, as a garment, it's neutral/practical. As a person, it's mildly pejorative, implying social awkwardness. In the US, it's primarily a garment term without the strong cultural connotation.
Frequency
High frequency for garment in UK; moderate for the 'enthusiast' sense in UK informal contexts. Low frequency in US English for either sense.
Grammar
How to Use “anorak” in a Sentence
wear an anorakbe dressed in an anorakbe a bit of an anorak (UK, informal)anorak of [subject, e.g., train timetables]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “anorak” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- He has very anorak-ish interests.
- It was a bit of an anorak question.
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, unless in outdoor retail.
Academic
Rare, except in cultural studies discussing British slang.
Everyday
Common in UK for clothing; common in UK informal speech for person.
Technical
Used in outdoor gear and textile industries for the garment.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “anorak”
- Using the 'person' sense in American English where it is not understood.
- Misspelling as 'annorak' or 'annarak'.
- Assuming the 'person' sense is complimentary (it is usually mildly insulting).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is much less common than in British English. Americans are more likely to say 'parka' or 'windbreaker' for the garment and would not use the 'enthusiast' meaning.
In British English, it is mildly derogatory, implying they are boringly obsessed with a niche topic and perhaps unfashionable or socially awkward. It is less harsh than 'nerd' or 'geek' but not a compliment.
It comes from Greenlandic Inuit 'annoraaq', meaning 'garment'. It entered English via Danish and French in the early 20th century.
No, it is only a noun and, informally in the UK, can be used as an attributive adjective (e.g., 'anorak tendencies').
A hooded jacket designed to protect against cold and wind, typically made of waterproof material.
Anorak is usually neutral (for garment); informal (for person, uk) in register.
Anorak: in British English it is pronounced /ˈæn.ə.ræk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæn.ə.ræk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “He's a bit of an anorak when it comes to vintage buses. (UK)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
An ANORAK is for a NORDIC track – think of a hooded jacket for cold Nordic climates.
Conceptual Metaphor
A HOODED JACKET IS A SHELL FOR AN OBSESSIVE PERSON (The practical, enclosing garment metaphorically represents a socially insulated, narrowly focused individual).
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English does 'anorak' commonly mean 'a socially awkward enthusiast'?