flattop: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareInformal, Historical (for hairstyle), Specialized (naval/aviation)
Quick answer
What does “flattop” mean?
A hairstyle where the hair is cut flat on top, often with short sides.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A hairstyle where the hair is cut flat on top, often with short sides; also a nickname for an aircraft carrier.
Refers broadly to anything with a flat top surface, such as a type of guitar (flattop acoustic guitar), a type of building (especially with a flat roof), or a piece of furniture (e.g., a flattop desk).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, the term is less common for the hairstyle ('short back and sides' is more typical). The 'aircraft carrier' nickname is understood but less frequently used than in American naval jargon.
Connotations
In AmE, the hairstyle connotes 1950s/1960s American culture (e.g., military, greasers). The carrier nickname is standard informal military terminology.
Frequency
Much more frequent in American English, particularly in historical or military contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “flattop” in a Sentence
He got a flattop.The flattop launched its fighters.It's a flattop acoustic.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “flattop” in a Sentence
verb
American English
- He asked the barber to flattop it.
adjective
British English
- He had a flattop hairstyle.
American English
- He's a flattop-sporting marine.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not typically used.
Academic
Rare, possibly in historical studies (post-war culture) or military history.
Everyday
Used to describe a specific, old-fashioned haircut or in discussions about military/naval topics.
Technical
Used as informal jargon for an aircraft carrier in naval/aviation contexts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “flattop”
- Using 'flattop' to describe any short haircut (it's a specific style).
- Confusing it with 'flat cap' (a type of hat).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is most commonly written as one word ('flattop'), though the hyphenated form 'flat-top' is also sometimes seen.
Yes, informally, especially in American English, meaning to cut hair into a flattop style (e.g., 'He flattops my hair').
A flattop is a specific type of crew cut where the hair on top is cut perfectly flat and level, often standing upright. A crew cut is a broader term for very short haircuts.
Yes, it remains a common informal nickname within the US Navy and among aviation enthusiasts, though 'carrier' or 'CVN' are more frequent in formal contexts.
A hairstyle where the hair is cut flat on top, often with short sides.
Flattop is usually informal, historical (for hairstyle), specialized (naval/aviation) in register.
Flattop: in British English it is pronounced /ˈflatˌtɒp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈflætˌtɑːp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “All hands on deck, the flattop's turning into the wind.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a flat tabletop (flat top) on someone's head (haircut) or on the sea (carrier deck).
Conceptual Metaphor
SHAPE FOR OBJECT (The defining flat top surface stands for the whole object/person.)
Practice
Quiz
In American naval slang, a 'flattop' primarily refers to: