crim: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low/C2 (Specialized/Informal)Informal; Slang
Quick answer
What does “crim” mean?
A person who commits crimes, especially one with a criminal record.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who commits crimes, especially one with a criminal record; criminal. (Informal, often derogatory).
A course of study, short for 'criminology' (University slang, chiefly UK).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The criminal sense is used in both varieties. The student slang for 'criminology' is predominantly British/Australian.
Connotations
UK: Strongly associated with police/criminal justice slang ('nicking a crim'), and with student life. US: Primarily understood as a slang term for a criminal.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but more likely to be encountered in British tabloid journalism or police procedurals than in US media.
Grammar
How to Use “crim” in a Sentence
Noun: The [adjective] crim [verb]Noun: He's just a [crim]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “crim” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not used as a verb.
American English
- Not used as a verb.
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
Only as a casual, abbreviated reference to the subject of criminology ('I've got a crim lecture').
Everyday
Informal reference to criminals, often in a dismissive or judgmental tone.
Technical
Not used in formal legal or law enforcement documents.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “crim”
Strong
Neutral
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “crim”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Using it as a direct synonym for 'crime' (e.g., 'He committed a crim' is incorrect).
- Assuming it is standard English.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is informal slang. It should not be used in formal writing or speech.
Yes, in UK and Australian university slang, it is a common shortening of 'criminology' (the academic subject).
When referring to a person, it is generally derogatory and dismissive, reducing the individual to their criminal status. It should be used with caution.
'Criminal' is the standard, neutral term. 'Crim' is its informal, often pejorative, slang counterpart, similar to 'cop' for 'police officer'.
A person who commits crimes, especially one with a criminal record.
Crim is usually informal; slang in register.
Crim: in British English it is pronounced /krɪm/, and in American English it is pronounced /krɪm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a crim in the making”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'crim' as the first four letters of 'criminal', chopped off for quick, informal speech.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CRIM IS A PRODUCT (e.g., 'a crim in the making'), A CRIM IS A PROFESSIONAL TYPE (e.g., 'a small-time crim').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'crim' LEAST likely to be used?