chrimbo: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
lowinformal, slang, colloquial
Quick answer
What does “chrimbo” mean?
An informal, chiefly British slang term for Christmas, often conveying a sense of casualness or affection.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An informal, chiefly British slang term for Christmas, often conveying a sense of casualness or affection.
Can refer to the entire Christmas period, including associated festivities, decorations, and social events, often with a focus on the commercial, social, or less formal aspects of the holiday.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Predominantly a British and Irish slang term. It is extremely rare in American English, where speakers would almost exclusively use 'Christmas'.
Connotations
In British usage, it often carries connotations of familiarity, light-heartedness, or sometimes a slightly mocking, commercialised view of the holiday. It lacks the formal or religious connotations of 'Christmas'.
Frequency
Common in spoken British English, especially in media and advertising during the festive period. Very low to zero frequency in American contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “chrimbo” in a Sentence
What are you doing for Chrimbo?I'm looking forward to Chrimbo.Got your Chrimbo shopping done?Happy Chrimbo!Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chrimbo” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We're planning to chrimbo the office up next week.
- Are you going to your mum's to chrimbo this year?
adverb
British English
- They've decorated the pub very chrimbo.
adjective
British English
- The chrimbo spirit is finally here!
- I love a good chrimbo film.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
May appear in informal marketing or internal communications ('Our Chrimbo hours are...'), but not in formal contracts or reports.
Academic
Not used. The formal 'Christmas period' or 'Christmas holiday' is required.
Everyday
Common in casual conversation, text messages, social media, and on informal greeting cards among friends and family in the UK.
Technical
Not applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chrimbo”
- Using 'Chrimbo' in formal writing or speech.
- Assuming it is universally understood in all English-speaking countries.
- Misspelling as 'Chrimboe' or 'Chrimbow'.
- Overusing it, which can sound affected or insincere.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is a recognized informal slang term for Christmas, primarily used in British English. It appears in many dictionaries.
You can, but it is not commonly used or widely understood. Most Americans would simply say 'Christmas'. Using it might cause confusion or require explanation.
They are variant spellings of the same slang term. 'Chrimbo' is the more common spelling, but 'Crimbo' is also seen. There is no difference in meaning.
It is not inherently disrespectful, but its informality means it is unsuitable for formal or religious contexts where the full term 'Christmas' is expected. In casual settings, it is generally seen as playful or affectionate.
An informal, chiefly British slang term for Christmas, often conveying a sense of casualness or affection.
Chrimbo is usually informal, slang, colloquial in register.
Chrimbo: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkrɪm.bəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkrɪm.boʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “'Tis the season (to be jolly) - often associated with but not exclusive to 'Chrimbo'”
- “Don't get your tinsel in a tangle - humorous advice about festive stress, sometimes used with 'Chrimbo'”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'Chrimbo' as a cheerful, shortened mash-up of 'Christmas' and 'jumbo' (suggesting something big and fun). Remember the 'i' and 'o' at the end as in 'hello' for a friendly greeting.
Conceptual Metaphor
CHRISTMAS IS A CASUAL FRIEND (as opposed to a formal occasion). The informal suffix '-bo' metaphorically 'dresses down' the holiday.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'Chrimbo' be MOST appropriate?