frechette
Low (Specialist/Historical)Informal, historical, possibly regional (Canadian).
Definition
Meaning
A scoring dart, typically in the game of lawn darts (jarts).
A weighted, often metal, projectile with fins, designed to be thrown underhand at a target.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Term is largely obsolete and tied to a specific, now-banned consumer product (lawn darts/jarts). May be used generically for similar homemade or recreational throwing darts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is not standard in either variety. The game was marketed as 'Jarts' in the US. 'Frechette' may have been a Canadian or genericised brand name.
Connotations
Connotes nostalgic, mid-20th century backyard games, and associated safety hazards.
Frequency
Extremely rare. Likely recognized only by those familiar with the specific game.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Player] threw the frechette [at the target].The [target] was hit by a frechette.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Rare/None specific]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Potentially in historical or design studies of recreational products.
Everyday
Extremely rare; only in discussions of vintage games.
Technical
Not applicable.
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- We found an old frechette buried in the garden.
- The game involved tossing four frechettes.
American English
- He won the round by landing his frechette in the ring.
- Our frechette set is missing a blue one.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This is a frechette. It is for a game.
- We used to play with frechettes in the summer, but they are dangerous.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'FRench darRETTE' - a small dart.
Conceptual Metaphor
A frechette is a DANGEROUS TOY.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- False friend with 'фрешетка' (a grill/gridiron).
- Do not confuse with 'дротик' for a standard dart; specify 'садовый дротик' or 'дротик для игры на лужайке'.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'freshette' or 'frechett'.
- Using as a general term for any dart.
- Assuming it is a current, common word.
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'frechette' most specifically?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is largely obsolete due to the banning of the associated game (lawn darts/jarts) in many places.
No, it is not standard. Use 'dart' for the pub game. 'Frechette' refers specifically to the heavier, outdoor lawn darts.
Likely a brand name or regional term (possibly Canadian) for 'lawn dart', derived from a surname or a French-sounding construction.
Genuine metal-tipped lawn darts/frechettes are banned for sale in many countries (like the USA and Canada) due to serious injury risks. Safer, redesigned versions may exist.