creps: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (Regional/Subcultural)Informal, Slang, Youth Vernacular
Quick answer
What does “creps” mean?
Informal British term for trainers or sneakers (athletic shoes).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Informal British term for trainers or sneakers (athletic shoes).
Specifically refers to fashionable, often branded, casual sports footwear worn as streetwear, not necessarily for athletic activity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is almost exclusively British. The standard American equivalent is 'sneakers' or specific brand names.
Connotations
In the UK, has strong connotations of street culture, fashion, and youth identity. In the US, the word is largely unknown and would not be understood in this sense.
Frequency
Very high frequency in relevant UK subcultures; virtually zero frequency in general or American English.
Grammar
How to Use “creps” in a Sentence
to have/get/wear [a pair of] crepsto keep your creps cleanVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used. In retail, the terms 'footwear', 'trainers', or 'sneakers' are standard.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Used informally among friends, particularly in urban UK settings.
Technical
Not used; 'athletic footwear' or specific product names are used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “creps”
- Using it in the singular ('a crep').
- Using it in formal writing.
- Using it with American speakers who will not understand it.
- Spelling it 'crepes' (which is a thin pancake).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a slang term originating from and primarily used in UK urban and youth culture.
Almost never. It is a plural noun, like 'trousers' or 'shoes'. You refer to 'a pair of creps'.
The closest general equivalent is 'sneakers' or 'kicks' (also slang). Specific brands like 'Nikes' or 'Jordans' are also commonly used.
It is believed to be a corruption of the brand name 'Creepers', or more likely, a back-formation from the proprietary term 'Reebok Classics', abbreviated to 'Classics' and then respelled as 'Creps'.
Informal British term for trainers or sneakers (athletic shoes).
Creps is usually informal, slang, youth vernacular in register.
Creps: in British English it is pronounced /krɛps/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Keep your creps clean.”
- “He's all about the creps.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'creps' as the 'creps' you wear for 'creps' (steps) – your shoes for walking around.
Conceptual Metaphor
FOOTWEAR IS A VALUABLE COLLECTIBLE / A MARK OF IDENTITY.
Practice
Quiz
The word 'creps' is primarily used and understood in...