biker jacket: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Informal, Fashion
Quick answer
What does “biker jacket” mean?
A type of leather jacket, typically black, with a zipped front, asymmetrical collar, and often metal studs or zippers, originally associated with motorcycle riders.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of leather jacket, typically black, with a zipped front, asymmetrical collar, and often metal studs or zippers, originally associated with motorcycle riders.
A fashion item inspired by motorcycle gear, now a staple in various subcultures (punk, rock, grunge) and mainstream fashion, symbolising rebellion, toughness, or edgy style.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use 'biker jacket' predominantly. The term 'motorcycle jacket' is a more generic, descriptive alternative slightly more common in American English.
Connotations
In both varieties, strongly associated with rebellion, rock music, and counter-culture. In UK fashion contexts, may have stronger links to specific subcultures like punk.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in UK fashion media, but common in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “biker jacket” in a Sentence
[Subject] + wore + a biker jacket.[Determiner] + biker jacket + [Prepositional Phrase: with studs/from the 80s].She + looked + [Adjective: cool/tough] + in + her biker jacket.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “biker jacket” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She decided to biker-jacket the look with some heavy boots. (informal, rare)
American English
- He biker-jacketed his outfit for the concert. (informal, rare)
adjective
British English
- She has a very biker-jacket aesthetic.
American English
- It's a biker-jacket kind of vibe.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in fashion retail or manufacturing: 'The autumn line features an updated biker jacket in sustainable materials.'
Academic
Rare, potentially in cultural studies, sociology, or fashion history: 'The biker jacket evolved from functional gear to a symbol of subcultural identity.'
Everyday
Common in descriptions of clothing and style: 'I'm thinking of buying a new biker jacket for the winter.'
Technical
In fashion design: 'The biker jacket pattern requires specific quilting for the shoulders.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “biker jacket”
- Using 'bike jacket' (incorrect - implies a jacket for cycling).
- Using 'biker's jacket' (less common, possessive form is not standard for this fixed compound).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. All classic biker jackets are leather jackets, but not all leather jackets are biker jackets. 'Biker jacket' specifies the style (asymmetrical zip, specific cut, often studs).
Absolutely. The biker jacket is a unisex fashion item and has been widely adopted by women's fashion since the mid-20th century.
The Schott NYC 'Perfecto' jacket, introduced in 1928, is often credited as the original iconic biker jacket. It gained massive pop culture fame after being worn by Marlon Brando in the 1953 film 'The Wild One'.
No. While its origins are functional (protection for riders), its primary use today is as a fashion statement. Modern fashion versions may not offer the same protective qualities as dedicated motorcycle gear.
A type of leather jacket, typically black, with a zipped front, asymmetrical collar, and often metal studs or zippers, originally associated with motorcycle riders.
Biker jacket is usually informal, fashion in register.
Biker jacket: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbaɪ.kə ˌdʒæk.ɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbaɪ.kɚ ˌdʒæk.ɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Dress like a biker”
- “Channel your inner rebel”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a BIKE-Rider wearing a JACKET. BIKE + R JACKET = BIKER JACKET.
Conceptual Metaphor
CLOTHING IS ARMOUR (provides toughness, protection of identity); REBELLION IS A GARMENT (worn to show attitude).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary material traditionally associated with a classic biker jacket?