cossie: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, colloquial
Quick answer
What does “cossie” mean?
A swimsuit.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A swimsuit; a piece of clothing worn for swimming.
An informal, often affectionate term for a swimming costume, primarily used in Australia and, to a lesser extent, the UK.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Primarily used in Australian English. In British English, it is understood but less common, being somewhat old-fashioned or used humorously. It is very rarely, if ever, used or understood in American English.
Connotations
Australia: casual, everyday, affectionate. UK: quaint, slightly dated, informal. US: Unknown/obscure.
Frequency
High frequency in Australia. Low frequency in the UK. Effectively zero frequency in the US.
Grammar
How to Use “cossie” in a Sentence
Pack a [cossie]Put on a [cossie]Wear a [cossie]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Used in casual conversation, especially in Australia, when discussing beach or pool plans.
Technical
Not used in any technical sporting or textile contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cossie”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cossie”
- Using it in formal contexts.
- Using it in American English where it will not be understood.
- Spelling it as "cozy" which means comfortable and warm.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very rarely used or understood in American English. Americans would use 'swimsuit' or 'bathing suit'.
It is a colloquial clipping of the British term 'swimming costume'.
Yes, it can refer to any swimsuit, though context might specify. In Australia, men's swimwear is also commonly called 'bathers' or 'trunks'.
No, it is strictly an informal, colloquial term and would be inappropriate in formal writing or speech.
A swimsuit.
Cossie: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒzi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not your budgie smugglers (a cossie is for general swimming, not specifically tight men's briefs)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of "cossie" as a "cosy" thing to wear in the water, but spelled like "costume".
Conceptual Metaphor
CLOTHING IS A TOOL FOR AN ACTIVITY (The word reduces the garment to its functional purpose in a familiar way).
Practice
Quiz
In which country is the word 'cossie' most commonly and naturally used in everyday speech?