foulie: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, technical (nautical/outdoor sports)
Quick answer
What does “foulie” mean?
A waterproof jacket or top, typically made of nylon or synthetic material, designed to protect against rain and wind, especially in sailing or outdoor sports.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A waterproof jacket or top, typically made of nylon or synthetic material, designed to protect against rain and wind, especially in sailing or outdoor sports.
Any durable waterproof jacket used in wet outdoor activities; sometimes extended to mean waterproof trousers (foulie pants/trousers).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Slightly more common in British English due to strong sailing culture. In American English, 'foul weather gear' or 'rain jacket' might be more frequent in general usage, though 'foulie' is understood in sailing/outdoor communities.
Connotations
Both varieties carry the same core connotation of practical, sport-specific waterproof clothing.
Frequency
Low frequency in general corpora. Higher frequency in specialized texts related to sailing, yachting, fishing, and outdoor recreation.
Grammar
How to Use “foulie” in a Sentence
wear + [foulie]pack + [foulie]put on + [foulie]a foulie made of + [material]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in retail for outdoor/sports equipment.
Academic
Rare, except in specific studies on sports equipment or maritime history.
Everyday
Used by people involved in sailing, fishing, hiking, or other outdoor activities in wet climates.
Technical
Common in sailing manuals, outdoor gear reviews, and retail catalogs for marine/outdoor clothing.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “foulie”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “foulie”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “foulie”
- Spelling: 'fouly', 'foully', 'fowlie'. Using it to mean any jacket, not specifically waterproof/sports-related.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's an informal, technical term primarily used within sailing and outdoor sports communities.
Yes, though 'foulie' most commonly means the jacket, it can be part of the phrase 'foulie trousers' or be used collectively ('foulies') to mean the full set of waterproof gear.
A foulie is typically more heavy-duty, designed for active use in harsh conditions (like sailing), often with features like high collars, reinforced areas, and attachment points. A regular raincoat is for general urban use.
Yes, it's used in other English-speaking countries with strong sailing cultures (e.g., parts of the US, Australia, New Zealand), but it remains a specialized term.
A waterproof jacket or top, typically made of nylon or synthetic material, designed to protect against rain and wind, especially in sailing or outdoor sports.
Foulie: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfaʊli/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfaʊli/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Don't forget your foulies! (sailing preparation reminder)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
FOUL weather makes you need a FOULIE.
Conceptual Metaphor
ARMOR AGAINST THE ELEMENTS (protective, functional, battling nature).
Practice
Quiz
In which context are you MOST likely to hear the word 'foulie'?