bermudas: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal
Quick answer
What does “bermudas” mean?
A type of knee-length shorts, typically for casual wear in warm weather.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of knee-length shorts, typically for casual wear in warm weather.
Sometimes used as a synonym for Bermuda shorts, referring specifically to the style of tailored shorts that became popular in Bermuda and spread internationally as casual or semi-casual attire.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the term. 'Bermuda shorts' is perhaps slightly more common in formal descriptions, but 'bermudas' is widely understood.
Connotations
Connotes casual, warm-weather attire, sometimes associated with preppy or golfing styles.
Frequency
Moderate and roughly equal frequency in both dialects. More common in spoken than written English.
Grammar
How to Use “bermudas” in a Sentence
She wore [bermudas] to the picnic.He bought a new pair of [bermudas].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bermudas” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He has a very bermudas-and-blazer style for the regatta.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in contexts discussing fashion retail or casual Friday policies.
Academic
Rare, except in cultural or fashion studies contexts.
Everyday
Common in casual conversation about clothing and summer activities.
Technical
Used in fashion and textile industries to describe a specific garment style.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bermudas”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bermudas”
- Using a singular verb (e.g., 'This bermudas is nice' is incorrect).
- Capitalizing the word when not at the start of a sentence (it's often lowercased).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is plural in form and takes a plural verb (e.g., 'These bermudas are comfortable'), even when referring to a single garment.
'Bermudas' specifically refers to knee-length shorts, often tailored. 'Shorts' is a general term for any garment that ends above the knee.
Yes, bermudas are a unisex style of clothing worn by all genders.
Typically not in formal offices, but they may be acceptable in certain business-casual or creative workplace environments, especially in warm climates or on 'casual Fridays'.
A type of knee-length shorts, typically for casual wear in warm weather.
Bermudas is usually informal in register.
Bermudas: in British English it is pronounced /bəˈmjuː.dəz/, and in American English it is pronounced /bɚˈmjuː.dəz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Dressed to the nines in bermudas and a blazer (humorous).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of BERMUDA the island + the 'S' for Shorts. Bermuda's warm climate is perfect for wearing bermudas.
Conceptual Metaphor
CLOTHING IS A SIGNAL OF LEISURE (bermudas signal casual, relaxed time).
Practice
Quiz
What is the key defining feature of bermudas?