barmen
B2informal, slightly dated
Definition
Meaning
The plural form of 'barman', referring to male bartenders or servers behind a bar, primarily in a pub or public house context.
A dated, gender-specific term for bartenders, increasingly replaced by gender-neutral terms like 'bartenders'. It can sometimes be used generically or historically to refer to bar staff collectively, though this usage is now often considered non-inclusive.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term carries connotations of traditional British pub culture. Its usage has declined significantly in favor of 'bartenders', especially in professional and progressive contexts. The singular 'barman' is still occasionally heard, but the plural 'barmen' is increasingly rare.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common in British English, particularly in descriptions of traditional pubs. In American English, 'bartenders' is overwhelmingly preferred, making 'barmen' sound distinctly British or old-fashioned.
Connotations
UK: Evokes images of a traditional local pub with a friendly, familiar server. US: Sounds quaint, foreign, or deliberately archaic.
Frequency
Low frequency in both dialects, but higher historical frequency in UK English. Rare in contemporary American English outside of historical or stylistic contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The [ADJECTIVE] barmen [VERB] the drinks.[NUMBER] barmen were working that night.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Avoid in modern HR/job descriptions; use 'bartenders' or 'bar staff'.
Academic
May appear in historical or sociological texts discussing pub culture.
Everyday
Rare in contemporary casual speech; mostly used by older generations or in very traditional settings.
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The barmen are very nice.
- Two barmen were working quickly to serve all the customers.
- In the old photograph, a group of barmen stood proudly in front of the village pub.
- The sociologist noted that the term 'barmen' had fallen out of favour, reflecting broader changes in gendered occupational language.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
BAR + MEN = men who work behind a bar.
Conceptual Metaphor
TRADITIONAL SERVICE IS MALE-DOMINATED (an outdated metaphor challenged by modern usage).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'бармен' (barmen) which is a direct loanword in Russian for a bartender of any gender. The English plural 'barmen' is not used in Russian.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'barmen' as a singular noun (incorrect: *'He is a barmen'; correct: 'He is a barman' or 'bartender').
- Using 'barmen' in inclusive/modern contexts where 'bartenders' is expected.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most appropriate and modern term to use in a job advertisement?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is grammatically correct as the plural of 'barman', but its usage is dated and can be seen as non-inclusive. 'Bartenders' is the preferred, gender-neutral modern term.
The traditional female equivalent was 'barmaids'. However, like 'barmen', this term is now largely replaced by the gender-neutral 'bartenders'.
Historically and linguistically, no. 'Barmen' specifically refers to men. Using it for a mixed-gender group is incorrect. Use 'bartenders' or 'bar staff' instead.
Due to increased awareness of inclusive language. Occupational terms that specify gender (like barmen, policeman, fireman) are being replaced by neutral alternatives (bartenders, police officer, firefighter) to avoid implying a job is for one gender only.