crem: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal (for the verb in official/funereal contexts). Informal (for the noun in British English).
Quick answer
What does “crem” mean?
To reduce a dead body to ashes by burning, typically as a funeral rite.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To reduce a dead body to ashes by burning, typically as a funeral rite.
To burn or consume something completely by fire; to incinerate. In informal British English, can be used as a noun (short for 'crematorium' or 'cremation').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The clipped noun 'crem' (for crematorium) is common in British informal speech ("The service is at the crem at 2 pm"). This usage is rare to non-existent in American English, where 'crematory' or 'crematorium' is used in full.
Connotations
In both varieties, the verb is formal and associated with death rituals. The British informal noun is neutral in connotation but context-bound.
Frequency
The verb 'cremate' is significantly more frequent than 'crem' in all registers. 'Crem' as a noun has moderate frequency in UK spoken informality.
Grammar
How to Use “crem” in a Sentence
[They] + crem + [body/corpse] (verb, rare)[We're going] + to the + crem (noun)[The service is] + at + the + crem (noun)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “crem” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The family chose to crem the remains.
American English
- (Virtually unused as a verb; 'cremate' is used.)
adverb
British English
- (Not used as an adverb.)
American English
- (Not used as an adverb.)
adjective
British English
- (Not used as an adjective.)
American English
- (Not used as an adjective.)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Rare; the full term 'cremation' is used in anthropological or sociological studies.
Everyday
In the UK, used informally as a noun referring to the place. The verb form is used in discussions of funeral arrangements.
Technical
Not used; 'cremate' or 'incinerate' are preferred.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “crem”
- Using 'crem' as a verb in formal writing (use 'cremate').
- Using the noun 'crem' in American English contexts where it would be misunderstood.
- Misspelling as 'cream'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is an established informal noun, primarily in British English, recognised as a clipping of 'crematorium'. It is less standard as a verb, where 'cremate' is correct.
No. In formal writing, always use the full terms: 'cremation' for the process or 'crematorium' for the building. The verb is 'cremate'.
They would likely understand it from context, but it is not part of American usage. Saying 'crem' might cause a momentary confusion with 'cream'.
'Cremate' is specific to the ceremonial burning of human remains. 'Incinerate' is a general term for burning anything to ashes, especially waste, and lacks the ritual connotation.
To reduce a dead body to ashes by burning, typically as a funeral rite.
Crem is usually formal (for the verb in official/funereal contexts). informal (for the noun in british english). in register.
Crem: in British English it is pronounced /krɛm/, and in American English it is pronounced /krɛm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “'Going up the crem' (UK informal, for attending a funeral service at a crematorium).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CREMate loses its 'ATE' in informal British talk, leaving just CREM.
Conceptual Metaphor
DEATH IS A JOURNEY (e.g., 'We're taking him to the crem').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most standard and formal verb for the process?