christie: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1specialized
Quick answer
What does “christie” mean?
A type of skiing turn where the skis are kept parallel (or nearly so) and are skidded sideways to change direction and control speed. Originally called a 'Christiania turn'.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of skiing turn where the skis are kept parallel (or nearly so) and are skidded sideways to change direction and control speed. Originally called a 'Christiania turn'.
Primarily refers to the skiing turn. As a name, it is a given name or surname (e.g., author Agatha Christie). In rare technical contexts (ice hockey, sledging), it can refer to a similar pivoting motion. In finance, a 'Christie's' (the auction house) is often shortened in informal contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning for the skiing term. The auction house 'Christie's' is equally known in both cultures. As a given name, the spelling 'Christie' is more common for females in the US, while in the UK it can be a male diminutive of Christopher.
Connotations
In skiing contexts, connotes technique and control. The name often connotes literary brilliance (Agatha Christie) or high-value art auctions (Christie's).
Frequency
The skiing term is of low frequency in general discourse but moderate within skiing communities. The name is of medium frequency.
Grammar
How to Use “christie” in a Sentence
to do/execute/perfom a christieto christie (rare, verb form)a sharp christie down the fall lineVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “christie” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He christied neatly around the gate.
- You need to christie here to scrub off speed before the steep section.
American English
- She christied down the mogul field with style.
- Christie right at the tree line to hit the groomer.
adverb
British English
- [Not used]
American English
- [Not used]
adjective
British English
- [Rarely used adjectivally]
American English
- [Rarely used adjectivally]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers almost exclusively to the auction house Christie's (e.g., 'It sold for a record price at Christie's').
Academic
Used in sports science, history of skiing, or biomechanics papers discussing turning techniques.
Everyday
Almost exclusively as a proper noun (name). The skiing term is rarely used outside specific hobbies.
Technical
Precise term in ski instruction manuals and coaching for a specific turning technique involving a skid.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “christie”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “christie”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “christie”
- Spelling: 'Christy', 'Kristie'.
- Using 'christie' to refer to any ski turn.
- Pronouncing it with a /kraɪ/ sound (like 'Christ') instead of /krɪ/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Only etymologically. The skiing term 'christie' is a shortening of 'Christiania', the old name for Oslo, Norway, where the turn was popularized. It has no religious meaning.
Yes, but it's specialist jargon. In skiing communities, you can say 'to christie' meaning to perform a christie turn (e.g., 'Christie here!'). It is not standard in general English.
A christie involves skidding the skis sideways to slow down and steer. A carved turn uses the ski's edges to cut an arc in the snow with minimal skidding, allowing for higher speed.
It's a coincidence of homography. The skiing term comes from a place name (Christiania/Oslo). The author and auction house names are derived from the personal name 'Christian' or 'Christopher'.
A type of skiing turn where the skis are kept parallel (or nearly so) and are skidded sideways to change direction and control speed. Originally called a 'Christiania turn'.
Christie is usually specialized in register.
Christie: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkrɪsti/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkrɪsti/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No established idioms for the skiing term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'Christie' as the skier's 'crisp twist' – a quick, parallel twist of the skis.
Conceptual Metaphor
TURNING IS CUTTING/CONTROLLING A PATH (though with a skid, not a clean cut).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'christie' as a common noun?