carlin: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low / ObsoleteArchaic, Literary, Dialectal (Scottish/Northern English)
Quick answer
What does “carlin” mean?
An archaic or dialectal term for an old woman, a hag, or a witch, often implying shrewdness or age.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An archaic or dialectal term for an old woman, a hag, or a witch, often implying shrewdness or age.
In Scottish and Northern English dialect, it can also refer to a girl or woman, often a sturdy or bold one. The term survives in the name of the Carlin stone, a standing stone in Scotland.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is virtually unknown in American English. It survives only in historical/literary contexts or as a Scottish dialect term in British English.
Connotations
In British (Scottish) usage: can range from 'old woman' to 'witch-like hag'. In American: no established usage.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both, but marginally more likely to be encountered in UK historical texts or Scottish contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “carlin” in a Sentence
The [adjective] carlin [verb]They called her a carlin.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical or philological studies of English/Scots.
Everyday
Not used in modern standard English.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “carlin”
- Using it in modern contexts.
- Assuming it's a standard term for 'grandmother'.
- Pronouncing it like the name 'Carlin' (as in George Carlin).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, potentially. The surname is often derived from this word or from a diminutive of 'carl' (a man), meaning it originally described a characteristic of an ancestor.
No, it is not a standard or affectionate term for grandmother. It is archaic and often derogatory.
It is very rare and would be considered dialectal or archaic. It might be recognized by older speakers or in literary contexts.
A 'carlin' is specifically an old woman, and the witch-like connotations come from folklore associating aged, solitary women with magic. Not all carlins were considered witches, but the terms overlap.
An archaic or dialectal term for an old woman, a hag, or a witch, often implying shrewdness or age.
Carlin is usually archaic, literary, dialectal (scottish/northern english) in register.
Carlin: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːlɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːrlɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “As wise as a carlin (archaic Scottish)”
- “A carlin's bargain (a bad deal)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CARLIN sounds like 'carl' (an old Scots word for a man) + 'in' → an old woman is the female counterpart.
Conceptual Metaphor
OLD AGE IS WITCHCRAFT / SHREWDNESS
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'carlin' be most appropriately used today?