bikie: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low, primarily used in Australia, New Zealand, and to a lesser extent in the UK. Very rare in American English.Informal, colloquial, often journalistic or tabloid. Can be derogatory or neutral depending on context.
Quick answer
What does “bikie” mean?
A member of a motorcycle gang, especially one involved in organized crime or considered to be part of a subculture.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A member of a motorcycle gang, especially one involved in organized crime or considered to be part of a subculture.
More broadly, it can refer to an enthusiast of motorcycles, particularly one who belongs to a club or group, though this usage is less common and often carries the primary connotation of gang membership.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
'Bikie' is the dominant term in Australian and New Zealand English. In British English, it is understood but less common than 'biker gang member'. In American English, the term is virtually unknown; 'biker' or 'outlaw biker' is used.
Connotations
In Australia/NZ: Strongly associated with organized crime gangs (e.g., Hells Angels, Bandidos). In the UK: Similar criminal connotations, but the word itself sounds slightly Australian. In the US: The word is not used; the concept is conveyed by 'biker gang member' or 'outlaw biker'.
Frequency
Very high frequency in Australian media and colloquial speech regarding crime reports. Low frequency elsewhere.
Grammar
How to Use “bikie” in a Sentence
[be/label as/describe as] a bikie[bikie] + [gang/club/war/feud]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bikie” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The police conducted a raid on a suspected bikie clubhouse in Kent.
- He was feared to have links to international bikie networks.
American English
- (Not used) The outlaw biker was arrested after a chase. (US equivalent)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Rare, may appear in sociological or criminological texts discussing subcultures, primarily with reference to Australia.
Everyday
Common in Australian/New Zealand news and conversation about crime.
Technical
Used in law enforcement and legal contexts in Australia (e.g., 'bikie-related violence').
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bikie”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bikie”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bikie”
- Using 'bikie' to refer to a casual motorcycle rider.
- Using 'bikie' in American English where it is not understood.
- Spelling it as 'bikey'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While all bikies are bikers, not all bikers are bikies. 'Biker' is a general term for a motorcycle rider. 'Bikie' specifically refers to a member of a motorcycle gang, often an outlaw or criminal one.
You should avoid it. The term is not part of American English vocabulary and will likely cause confusion. Use 'biker gang member' or 'outlaw biker' instead.
It is Australian slang from the mid-20th century, formed from 'bike' + the '-ie' suffix (a common Australian diminutive or colloquial agent noun suffix).
It is predominantly negative and carries criminal connotations, especially in media and official use. However, within the subculture itself, it may be used as a neutral in-group label.
A member of a motorcycle gang, especially one involved in organized crime or considered to be part of a subculture.
Bikie is usually informal, colloquial, often journalistic or tabloid. can be derogatory or neutral depending on context. in register.
Bikie: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbaɪ.ki/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbaɪ.ki/ (rare, theoretical pronunciation). Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'bike' with an '-ie' suffix, common in Australian slang for a person associated with something (e.g., 'truckie' for truck driver). So, a 'bikie' is a person associated with bikes, specifically in a gang context.
Conceptual Metaphor
A TRIBAL MEMBER (bikies belong to tightly-knit, hierarchical 'clubs' or 'gangs' with their own rules).
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is the word 'bikie' most commonly used and understood?