bordel: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2 (due to its low-frequency and specific/taboo nature)Formal/Technical (in its literal sense). Informal (in its figurative sense, particularly in UK English).
Quick answer
What does “bordel” mean?
A brothel.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A brothel; a house where people pay for sexual services.
Figuratively, a state of great confusion, chaos, or disorder.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The figurative sense ('a mess') is far more established in UK English. In US English, it is almost exclusively used in its literal sense and is a very low-frequency, literary/technical term.
Connotations
Strongly taboo and pejorative in its literal sense. In its UK figurative sense, it is informal and mildly vulgar.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both dialects. More likely encountered in historical texts, legal contexts, or as a deliberate stylistic choice.
Grammar
How to Use “bordel” in a Sentence
The [place/meeting/situation] was a complete bordel.He inherited a [financial/legal] bordel from his predecessor.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bordel” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- After the festival, the field was an absolute bordel of litter and abandoned tents.
- The 19th-century novel described a clandestine bordel near the docks.
American English
- The court records from the 1920s detailed the raid on a downtown bordel.
- (Figurative use is rare and may not be understood.)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Highly unlikely, except potentially in very informal UK settings to describe a disastrous project.
Academic
Rare; might appear in historical, sociological, or legal studies discussing prostitution.
Everyday
Virtually non-existent in US English. In UK English, the figurative use is informal and carries a mild swear-word tone.
Technical
Possible in legal or historical texts referring to the institution of prostitution.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bordel”
- Using it in polite or formal conversation. Overestimating its comprehensibility in the US for the figurative sense.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very rare. Its literal meaning is largely replaced by 'brothel'. Its figurative use is informal and primarily British.
For the literal meaning in a historical/legal context, it is acceptable but 'brothel' is more standard. The figurative meaning is too informal for academic writing.
Most likely not. To an American listener, it would sound like you are literally referring to a brothel, which would be very confusing in a context about disorder.
'A mess', 'chaos', or 'a shambles' are far more common and less marked in terms of register.
A brothel.
Bordel is usually formal/technical (in its literal sense). informal (in its figurative sense, particularly in uk english). in register.
Bordel: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɔː.dəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɔːr.dəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's a complete and utter bordel in here! (UK, informal)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a **board** meeting that has descended into utter chaos – it's a total 'bordel' (sounds like 'board-el').
Conceptual Metaphor
DISORDER IS IMMORALITY / A PLACE OF VICE.
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is 'bordel' most commonly used figuratively to mean 'a mess'?