courreges: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Fashion journalism, cultural/historical writing, high-end retail. Very rare in everyday conversation.
Quick answer
What does “courreges” mean?
A proper noun, specifically a French fashion house (founded by André Courrèges) known for pioneering Space Age designs in the 1960s, particularly featuring clean lines, geometric cuts, white leather, and futuristic aesthetics.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A proper noun, specifically a French fashion house (founded by André Courrèges) known for pioneering Space Age designs in the 1960s, particularly featuring clean lines, geometric cuts, white leather, and futuristic aesthetics.
Used metonymically to refer to the specific style, aesthetic, or garments produced by the Courrèges fashion house. Also refers to the modern incarnation of the brand.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Both varieties treat it as a proper noun.
Connotations
Connotes high fashion, 1960s modernity, futurism, and French design expertise equally in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both BrE and AmE, confined to niche contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “courreges” in a Sentence
[Proper Noun] as subject/object[Attributive Noun] + Noun (e.g., Courrèges design)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “courreges” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The dress had a distinctly Courrèges silhouette.
American English
- Her look was very Courrèges, with those white go-go boots.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In luxury retail or brand management: 'The conglomerate acquired Courrèges.'
Academic
In fashion history or cultural studies: 'Courrèges revolutionized the silhouette of the 1960s.'
Everyday
Virtually non-existent. Might occur in very specific conversations about vintage fashion: 'My mother wore Courrèges.'
Technical
In textile/conservation fields, referring to specific construction techniques or materials used by the house.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “courreges”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “courreges”
- Misspelling: 'Courreges' (often missing the grave accent on the second 'e').
- Using it as a countable common noun (e.g., 'She bought a courrege.').
- Mispronouncing the final syllable as /dʒɪz/ or /ɡɛs/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The standard pronunciation is /kʊˈrɛʒ/. The 'r' is a French-style guttural or uvular 'r', and the final '-ges' sounds like the 's' in 'pleasure'.
Yes, the Courrèges brand was revived in the 2010s and continues to produce clothing and accessories, often referencing its archival Space Age designs.
Only attributively (before a noun) and in fashion contexts. It is not a general descriptive adjective like 'modern' or 'white'. Use is limited to describing things directly related to the brand's style (e.g., a Courrèges cut, a Courrèges vibe).
Key characteristics include minimalist, geometric cuts; the use of white, silver, or bright colours; patent leather or PVC; and a youthful, futuristic silhouette, often with exposed legs.
A proper noun, specifically a French fashion house (founded by André Courrèges) known for pioneering Space Age designs in the 1960s, particularly featuring clean lines, geometric cuts, white leather, and futuristic aesthetics.
Courreges is usually fashion journalism, cultural/historical writing, high-end retail. very rare in everyday conversation. in register.
Courreges: in British English it is pronounced /kʊəˈrɛʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /kʊˈrɛʒ/ or /kʊˈrɛʒ/ (often with a less distinct initial /ʊə/ glide). Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a COURt of judges all wearing futuristic RÉGalia (French for regalia) designed by Courrèges.
Conceptual Metaphor
FASHION IS TECHNOLOGY / THE FUTURE (embodied by the Space Age aesthetic).
Practice
Quiz
Courrèges is most closely associated with which fashion movement?