bermuda shorts: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to informal, widely understood.
Quick answer
What does “bermuda shorts” mean?
A type of knee-length casual trousers, typically tailored and often with cuffs, worn as summer attire.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of knee-length casual trousers, typically tailored and often with cuffs, worn as summer attire.
A garment signifying casual, warm-weather comfort, often associated with resort wear, golf, and preppy style; sometimes used to denote a specific, conservative short length as opposed to shorter styles.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is equally common in both dialects.
Connotations
Neutral in both. Can carry connotations of preppy fashion, golf attire, or practical summer clothing.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both dialects, with slight regional variation (more common in areas with warmer climates).
Grammar
How to Use “bermuda shorts” in a Sentence
He wore [bermuda shorts].She bought a new pair of [bermuda shorts].The [bermuda shorts] were made of linen.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bermuda shorts” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He bermuda-shorted his way through the summer festival. (Very informal/coinage)
American English
- They decided to bermuda short for the golf outing. (Very informal/coinage)
adjective
British English
- He has a very bermuda-shorts-and-blazer look. (Informal, attributive use)
American English
- The dress code was decidedly bermuda shorts casual. (Informal, attributive use)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Inappropriate in most formal business settings; acceptable in very casual or creative workplaces.
Academic
Used in texts related to fashion history, cultural studies, or textile design.
Everyday
Common in descriptions of summer clothing, holiday packing, or casual dress codes.
Technical
Used in fashion merchandising, pattern making, and garment specification sheets.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bermuda shorts”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bermuda shorts”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bermuda shorts”
- Using it as a singular noun ('a bermuda short').
- Using it to refer to any type of short, not specifically knee-length.
- Incorrect spelling: 'bermuta shorts', 'bermooda shorts'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are very similar and the terms are often used interchangeably. 'Walking shorts' is a slightly more generic term, while 'bermuda shorts' often implies a specific, slightly tailored style and origin.
Absolutely. While historically associated with men's fashion, bermuda shorts are now a common and popular garment for women as well, available in a wide range of styles and fits.
They are named after Bermuda, where British military forces stationed in the tropical climate adopted knee-length shorts as part of their uniform in the early 20th century. The style was later popularised by tourists.
No, they are primarily casual or 'smart casual' attire. They are generally inappropriate for formal business, ceremonial, or black-tie events.
A type of knee-length casual trousers, typically tailored and often with cuffs, worn as summer attire.
Bermuda shorts: in British English it is pronounced /bəˈmjuː.də ʃɔːts/, and in American English it is pronounced /bɚˈmjuː.də ʃɔːrts/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Dressed for Bermuda (informal, implying ready for a warm, casual climate).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'Bermuda' (the island) + 'shorts' (that go to the knee) = knee-length island-style shorts.
Conceptual Metaphor
CLOTHING IS A SIGNAL OF SOCIAL CONTEXT (signals informality, leisure, specific subcultures like 'preppy').
Practice
Quiz
What is a key defining feature of bermuda shorts?