civvy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, colloquial
Quick answer
What does “civvy” mean?
A civilian, i.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A civilian, i.e., someone not in the military or police.
Ordinary, non-military life, clothing, or activities; the civilian world as opposed to the armed forces.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Much more common and established in British English. In American English, it is understood but less frequent; 'civilian' is the standard term in most contexts.
Connotations
In BrE, it can be neutral or carry a mild sense of 'outsider' to the military world. In AmE, if used, it may sound like a borrowing from BrE or military slang.
Frequency
High frequency in UK military and ex-military contexts; low-to-medium in general UK informal speech; low in general US usage.
Grammar
How to Use “civvy” in a Sentence
N (as in 'a civvy')ADJ + N (as in 'civvy street')Prep + N (as in 'in civvies')Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “civvy” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He decided to civvy up for the party.
- After demob, it took time to civvy down.
American English
- (Not typically used as a verb in AmE)
adverb
British English
- (Not standard)
American English
- (Not standard)
adjective
British English
- He's looking for a civvy job now.
- It's a strange feeling being in civvy clothes.
American English
- He got a civilian job after the army.
- He wore his regular clothes.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in HR contexts discussing veterans.
Academic
Very rare, except in sociological studies of military life.
Everyday
Informal, used by or in conversation with ex-military personnel.
Technical
Used in military jargon and related informal communications.
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “civvy”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “civvy”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Using 'civvy' as a standard adjective in AmE (e.g., 'civvy sector' sounds unnatural).
- Misspelling as 'civy' or 'civvie'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not inherently offensive, but it can sound dismissive or 'tribal' if used by military personnel to highlight an 'us vs. them' distinction. Context is key.
It is understood, primarily in military circles or by those familiar with British English, but 'civilian' is the universal and preferred term in American English.
'Civilian' is the standard, formal term. 'Civvy' is its informal, chiefly British slang counterpart, often conveying a more personal or insider perspective.
The plural form 'civvies' is a fixed colloquialism specifically meaning 'civilian clothes', stemming from the idea of changing into them.
A civilian, i.
Civvy is usually informal, colloquial in register.
Civvy: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɪvi/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɪvi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “civvy street: civilian life after leaving the armed forces.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'CIV'ilian with a friendly, informal '-y' ending, like 'buddy'.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE MILITARY IS A SEPARATE WORLD (and 'civvies' are the inhabitants of the other, ordinary world).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'civvies' most appropriately used?