civies: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, slang
Quick answer
What does “civies” mean?
Informal term for civilian clothes, as opposed to a uniform or official attire.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Informal term for civilian clothes, as opposed to a uniform or official attire.
Can refer to civilians or non-military personnel in general.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More commonly used in UK English; US English often uses "civies" (one 'v') or alternatives like 'mufti' or 'plain clothes'.
Connotations
UK: Strong association with military/police. US: Less frequent; may sound slightly dated or jargonistic.
Frequency
High in UK military/civil service contexts; medium-low in general US English.
Grammar
How to Use “civies” in a Sentence
[Subject] + be/wear/get changed into + in civvies[Subject] + put on + their civviesVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “civies” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The soldiers were glad to get back into their civvies for the weekend.
- There's a strict policy about wearing civvies on base.
American English
- After the parade, the cadets changed into civvies.
- He looked different out of uniform and in his civvies.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in security/military contractor settings.
Academic
Very rare; used in sociological/military history texts.
Everyday
Informal, mainly among ex-/serving military/police and their families.
Technical
Used in military/police procedural documentation and jargon.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “civies”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “civies”
- Misspelling as 'civies' (US common variant, but UK standard is 'civvies').
- Using in formal writing.
- Assuming it means 'elegant clothes'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is treated as a plural noun (like 'clothes'). You say 'these civvies' or 'my civvies', not 'a civvy' in the clothing sense.
Yes, but this is less common and more informal/slang, meaning 'civilians' (e.g., 'Keep that talk away from the civvies').
In standard UK English, 'civvies' (double V) is most common. In US English, 'civies' (single V) is an accepted variant.
No, it's informal but not offensive. However, in some contexts, using 'civvies' to refer to civilians might be seen as mildly derogatory or 'us vs. them' jargon from a military perspective.
Informal term for civilian clothes, as opposed to a uniform or official attire.
Civies is usually informal, slang in register.
Civies: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɪv.iz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɪv.iz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “out of civvies (back in uniform)”
- “a day in civvies”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CIVVies = CIVilian clotheS. The double 'V' can remind you of a change of clothes (from V-shaped uniform lapels to casual V-necks).
Conceptual Metaphor
CLOTHING FOR STATUS (civilian clothes represent freedom from institutional rules).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'civvies' most appropriately used?