cutline
C1/C2Technical, journalistic, specialized
Definition
Meaning
A line indicating where something is to be cut, or a caption beneath a picture in a newspaper or magazine.
In journalism, a line of text describing an image. In printing/crafts, a guide for cutting. In forestry, a boundary marking trees to be felled. In golf, the score needed to qualify for the next round.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primary professional use is in journalism. The meaning is highly context-dependent (media, manufacturing, sports). Not typically used in everyday conversation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The journalistic term 'cutline' is standard in US newsrooms. In British journalism, 'caption' is overwhelmingly preferred, making 'cutline' rare and potentially unfamiliar. The golf term is used in both.
Connotations
In the US, 'cutline' signals professional journalism jargon. In the UK, using 'cutline' may mark the speaker as using American media terminology.
Frequency
Much more frequent in American English within the publishing/journalism industry. Very low frequency in general British English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
the cutline for [the photograph/graphic]a cutline describing [the scene]a cutline that [explains/identifies]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “below the cutline”
- “make the cutline”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in media/publishing businesses discussing layout.
Academic
Very rare; specific to media studies or graphic communication.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Most people would say 'caption'.
Technical
Standard in US journalism, printing, and sometimes golf commentary.
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- The editor asked for a more detailed caption under the infographic.
- The sub-editor is checking all the picture captions.
American English
- The editor asked for a tighter cutline under the infographic.
- Make sure the photo cutline identifies everyone in the shot.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Look at the picture. The cutline tells us where it was taken.
- The golfer's score was just above the cutline, so he didn't advance.
- Journalists must write accurate cutlines that do not merely state the obvious.
- The graphic designer followed the digital cutline precisely when trimming the banner.
- A poignant cutline can add layers of meaning to a seemingly straightforward photojournalism piece.
- The tournament's cutline shifted dramatically after the windy conditions on the back nine.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a LINE of text placed under a photo that has been CUT out to fit the page layout.
Conceptual Metaphor
TEXT IS A LABEL (The text attaches to and identifies the image).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'резаная линия'. For an image, use 'подпись (к фотографии/иллюстрации)'. For a cutting guide, use 'линия разреза'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'cutline' in general conversation instead of 'caption'. Confusing it with 'byline' (the author's name).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'cutline' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In American journalism, yes, they are essentially synonymous, with 'cutline' being the industry term. In broader usage and in British English, 'caption' is the universal term.
No, 'cutline' is exclusively a noun. The related action would be 'to caption' an image or 'to write a cutline'.
The term originates from the physical process of cutting metal type and blocks for images in letterpress printing. The text line accompanied the 'cut' (the image block).
Unless you are working in or writing about American journalism, always use 'caption'. It is universally understood. Using 'cutline' in other contexts may cause confusion.