board shorts: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Informal, Casual
Quick answer
What does “board shorts” mean?
Knee-length, loose-fitting swimming shorts made of quick-drying fabric, originally designed for surfing.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Knee-length, loose-fitting swimming shorts made of quick-drying fabric, originally designed for surfing.
Casual shorts suitable for beachwear, swimming, or leisure activities; often made with a mesh lining, a lace-up or Velcro fly, and side pockets.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common in American English. In British English, 'swim shorts' or 'swimming trunks' are often used interchangeably, though 'board shorts' specifically denotes the longer, surfing style.
Connotations
In both varieties, carries connotations of youth, sport, and casual beach culture. In the UK, may sound slightly more specific or 'imported' from surf culture.
Frequency
Substantially higher frequency in American English, especially in coastal regions. Moderate and increasing frequency in British English.
Grammar
How to Use “board shorts” in a Sentence
[Subject] + wear + board shorts[Subject] + buy + a pair of + board shorts[Subject] + swim/surf + in + board shortsVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Only in retail (e.g., 'Our summer line features new board shorts.')
Academic
Very rare, except in cultural or design studies.
Everyday
Common in casual conversation about holidays, sports, or shopping for summer clothes.
Technical
Used in surfing, swimming apparel design, and textile industries focusing on quick-dry fabrics.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “board shorts”
- Using singular 'board short' (almost always plural).
- Confusing with 'Bermuda shorts' (which are not swimwear).
- Misspelling as 'bored shorts'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, absolutely. While historically associated with men's wear, board shorts are now a popular and common style of swimwear for women and are widely available.
Board shorts are generally longer (to the knee), looser, and specifically designed for surf/board sports with features like a secure tie closure and no inner mesh lining (or a soft, sewn-in liner). Traditional swimming trunks are often shorter, tighter, and have a netted inner liner.
Typically, no. They are designed as standalone swimwear. Many have a built-in soft liner for comfort. Wearing cotton underwear underneath can become uncomfortable when wet.
No. While designed for surfing, they are now universal casual swimwear and beachwear suitable for swimming, lounging, or general summer activities.
Knee-length, loose-fitting swimming shorts made of quick-drying fabric, originally designed for surfing.
Board shorts is usually informal, casual in register.
Board shorts: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɔːd ʃɔːts/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɔːrd ʃɔːrts/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SURFBOARD. The shorts you wear to ride it are BOARD SHORTS. They're SHORTS that go with a BOARD.
Conceptual Metaphor
CLOTHING FOR A TOOL (The board is the tool for the sport; the shorts are the designated apparel).
Practice
Quiz
Which of these is a key feature of typical board shorts?