gamp: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare / ArchaicInformal, Humorous, Literary (dated)
Quick answer
What does “gamp” mean?
A large, untidy, often clumsy umbrella, especially an old or battered one.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large, untidy, often clumsy umbrella, especially an old or battered one.
A humorous or slightly disparaging term for any umbrella, particularly one with a bulky, awkward appearance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
It is primarily a British English word. In American English, it would be largely unknown or considered a literary curiosity.
Connotations
In British English, it has a humorous, slightly quaint, and classically British feel. Its use implies familiarity with older British literature.
Frequency
Extremely rare in modern British English, found mainly in historical fiction, period dramas, or deliberate attempts at quaint humor.
Grammar
How to Use “gamp” in a Sentence
Carry a [gamp]Shake out a/the [gamp]Forget one's [gamp]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gamp” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- 'I say, you're not planning to gamp about in this drizzle, are you?' he chuckled, using the archaic verb form.
American English
- Not used as a verb in AmE.
adjective
British English
- He had a rather gampish look about him, with his battered hat and trailing coat.
American English
- Not used as an adjective in AmE.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Only in historical or literary analysis.
Everyday
Not used in modern everyday conversation.
Technical
No technical usage.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gamp”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gamp”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gamp”
- Using it as a general, neutral term for 'umbrella'.
- Assuming it is common in modern English.
- Pronouncing it with a /gɑːmp/ (like 'gawmp') sound.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very rare and considered archaic or humorous. You will almost never hear it in modern conversation.
It originates from the character Sarah Gamp, a disreputable nurse in Charles Dickens's novel 'Martin Chuzzlewit' (1844), who was known for her large, untidy umbrella.
No, using 'gamp' for a sleek, compact, or elegant umbrella would be incorrect and ironic. It inherently describes something bulky, old, or untidy.
It is almost exclusively a British English word. Most Americans would not recognize it unless they are familiar with Dickens or 19th-century British literature.
A large, untidy, often clumsy umbrella, especially an old or battered one.
Gamp is usually informal, humorous, literary (dated) in register.
Gamp: in British English it is pronounced /ɡæmp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡæmp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to 'gamp'”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
"GAMP" sounds like "CLAMP" - imagine a large, clumsy umbrella clamping down awkwardly over your head.
Conceptual Metaphor
OBJECT FOR A CHARACTER TRAIT (the umbrella symbolizes the owner's old-fashioned, eccentric, or disorganized nature).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary connotation of the word 'gamp'?