derriere
LowInformal, often humorous or euphemistic
Definition
Meaning
A person's buttocks or backside.
Used as a euphemistic or humorous term for the buttocks; sometimes used in fashion or tailoring contexts to refer to the fit or shape of clothing around that area.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word is a direct borrowing from French, retaining its French spelling and an approximation of its French pronunciation. It is considered more polite or playful than blunt terms like 'butt' or 'arse', but less formal than 'buttocks'. Its use often carries a slight air of affectation or cheeky humour.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is understood in both varieties but is perhaps marginally more recognised in British English due to closer proximity to French. American English might more readily use 'butt' or 'rear end' in equivalent informal contexts.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes a playful, euphemistic, or slightly pretentious tone. It is not a crude term.
Frequency
Infrequent in both, but occasionally appears in lifestyle journalism, humorous writing, or fashion descriptions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[adjective] + derrierederriere + of + [possessor]verb + (on/upon) + [possessive] + derriereVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Pain in the derriere (euphemism for 'pain in the neck/butt')”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Virtually never used, except perhaps in linguistic or cultural studies discussing euphemism or loanwords.
Everyday
Used occasionally in informal, humorous conversation among adults.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts; anatomy uses 'buttocks' or 'gluteal region'.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- She fell and landed on her derriere.
- He has a sore derriere from the long cycle ride.
- The tailor noted that the trousers needed taking in at the derriere.
- The comedian made a joke about his own ample derriere.
- The article on denim praised the jeans for their flattering fit across the derriere.
- Her memoir described the incident as a 'right royal pain in the derriere'.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a French person saying 'Derrière moi!' ('Behind me!') – it's the part that's behind you.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BODY IS AN OBJECT (with a specific, named rear section).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with Russian 'дерево' (tree).
- It is a noun, not an adverb like the Russian 'сзади' (from behind).
- The primary translation is 'задница' or 'попа', but it lacks the vulgarity of the former and is more playful than the latter.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'derrier', 'deriere', or 'derrière' (with accent, which is correct in French but often omitted in English).
- Mispronouncing it as /dɛriːr/ (like 'deer-ear').
- Using it in overly formal or serious contexts where it sounds flippant.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'derriere' LEAST likely to be appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a euphemistic and often humorous term. It is politer than words like 'arse' or 'butt', but less formal than 'buttocks'.
No, it is commonly written without the accent in English, though using it is not incorrect and emphasises the French origin.
It is highly discouraged. Use 'buttocks' for anatomical or formal contexts, or rephrase entirely.
'Derriere' is a borrowed French word with a playful, euphemistic tone. 'Butt' is a standard, informal English word. 'Derriere' often sounds more deliberate or cheeky.