britpack: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1informal
Quick answer
What does “britpack” mean?
A group of influential or prominent British people, especially in a specific field such as film, media, fashion, or art, who emerge as a distinct and successful collective during a particular period.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A group of influential or prominent British people, especially in a specific field such as film, media, fashion, or art, who emerge as a distinct and successful collective during a particular period.
Informally refers to any cohesive and high-profile group of British individuals or professionals operating together in an international context, often in creative or cultural industries. It can imply a sense of shared identity, style, and impact that distinguishes them from others.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Primarily used in British English media and cultural commentary. In American English, it is a very low-frequency term understood mainly in international arts/entertainment journalism; Americans might refer to the same group as 'the British contingent' or simply 'the Brits'.
Connotations
In the UK, it can be used with pride or with a slightly ironic tone. In the US, its use is more descriptive and less culturally charged.
Frequency
Uncommon. Mostly found in journalism, cultural analysis, and entertainment reporting.
Grammar
How to Use “britpack” in a Sentence
The [ADJECTIVE] britpackA britpack of [NOUN (PLURAL)]Part of the britpackVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “britpack” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He had a very britpack sensibility.
- The gallery showcased a britpack aesthetic.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used in marketing or PR to describe a group of British designers or entrepreneurs launching a product.
Academic
Rare. Possibly in cultural studies or media studies discussing national identity and globalization.
Everyday
Very rare. Would not be used in casual conversation outside specific media-savvy circles.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “britpack”
- Using it to refer to any group of British people (e.g., tourists).
- Spelling as 'BritPack' or 'Brit pack'.
- Using it in formal contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's a low-frequency, informal term used primarily in journalism and cultural commentary.
It is very unusual. The term is strongly associated with creative and cultural industries, not sports.
It is a blend of 'British' and 'pack', modeled after the 1980s American term 'Brat Pack' for a group of young film actors.
It can be either. It often highlights success and influence but can also imply exclusivity or trendiness.
A group of influential or prominent British people, especially in a specific field such as film, media, fashion, or art, who emerge as a distinct and successful collective during a particular period.
Britpack is usually informal in register.
Britpack: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbrɪtpæk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbrɪtpæk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'pack' of successful British ('Brit') artists or directors, all making a big impact together, like a pack of cards or a wolf pack.
Conceptual Metaphor
A NATION IS A TEAM / CREATIVE PROFESSIONALS ARE ANIMALS IN A PACK.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'britpack' most appropriately used?