clag: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
lowinformal, dialectal, technical (aviation)
Quick answer
What does “clag” mean?
(of a sticky substance) to become thick and adhere to a surface.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
(of a sticky substance) to become thick and adhere to a surface; to clog.
A state of being clogged or thickened; sticky mud or dirt. In aviation/meteorology: low cloud cover, fog, or poor visibility.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
UK: Common in dialect and informal use for mud/stickiness; standard in aviation slang ('claggy weather'). US: Very rare outside of specific technical/aviation contexts imported from UK usage.
Connotations
UK: Often has rustic, negative connotations of mess and inconvenience. Aviation: universally negative, denoting hazardous flying conditions.
Frequency
Far more frequent in UK English. In the US, it is virtually unknown to the general public.
Grammar
How to Use “clag” in a Sentence
[VERB] (clag)[VERB] up [OBJECT] (clag up the pipe)[NOUN] of [MATERIAL] (a clag of mud)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “clag” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The wet clay clagged to our wellington boots.
- If you don't clean the filter, it will clag up completely.
American English
- (Rare, technical) The intake can clag with ice in these conditions.
adverb
British English
- (Not standard)
American English
- (Not standard)
adjective
British English
- This cake is delicious but a bit claggy.
- We had to walk through claggy fields after the storm.
American English
- (Virtually unused)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Not used outside of historical/dialect studies.
Everyday
UK informal/dialect: 'My boots are clagged with mud.'
Technical
Aviation: 'The airfield was socked in with clag.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “clag”
- Using 'clag' as a general adjective for 'dirty'. Confusing it with 'clog', which is more standard and versatile.
- Overusing in American English contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency word, mostly found in UK dialects, informal British English, and aviation jargon.
Yes, primarily as a verb meaning 'to clog or stick', and as a noun for the sticky substance or, in aviation, for low cloud/fog.
Almost never in everyday speech. It might be understood by pilots familiar with British/Commonwealth aviation terminology.
'Clog' is the standard, common verb for blocking. 'Clag' is a more informal/dialectal synonym that often emphasizes the sticky, adherent quality of the blocking material.
(of a sticky substance) to become thick and adhere to a surface.
Clag is usually informal, dialectal, technical (aviation) in register.
Clag: in British English it is pronounced /klæɡ/, and in American English it is pronounced /klæɡ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of CLAG as CLAy plus GLue – a sticky, clogging substance.
Conceptual Metaphor
OBSTRUCTION IS ADHESION (Problems are like things sticking where they shouldn't).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'clag' most likely to be used professionally?