gert: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowHighly Informal, Dialectal
Quick answer
What does “gert” mean?
A large or significant amount.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large or significant amount; great or big (chiefly British dialectal).
Used as an intensifier meaning 'very' or as an adjective meaning 'large' in specific regional dialects of the West Country (UK).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
'Gert' is used exclusively in certain British dialects (South West England). It is virtually unknown and unused in American English.
Connotations
Connotes local identity, ruralness, and informality in the UK. In the US, it has no connotations as it is not part of the lexicon.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency overall. Within its specific UK dialect region, it may be encountered in casual speech but not in writing.
Grammar
How to Use “gert” in a Sentence
INTENSIFIER + ADJ (e.g., gert big)DET + gert + N (e.g., a gert dog)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gert” in a Sentence
adverb
British English
- It's gert lush down by the harbour.
- That pie was gert good.
adjective
British English
- That's a gert big tractor.
- He made a gert mistake.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Only in very specific regional, informal UK contexts.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gert”
- Using it outside its dialectal context will cause confusion.
- Spelling it as 'gurt' (a related but distinct variant).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it is a non-standard dialect word specific to South West England (the West Country). It is not part of Standard English.
No, it is exclusively for informal, regional speech and would be considered incorrect in any formal or standard context.
'Gert' is a regional phonetic variant of 'great' with the same core meaning, but its usage is more restricted as an intensifier (like 'very') before adjectives.
Generally, no. It is a specifically British dialectal term and is not part of the American English lexicon.
A large or significant amount.
Gert: in British English it is pronounced /ɡɜːt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “gert big job (a difficult or large task)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'GERT' as 'GREAT' with a West Country accent, where the 'ea' sound shifts.
Conceptual Metaphor
SIZE IS SIGNIFICANCE (using 'gert' to amplify importance or physical dimension).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of 'gert' in the West Country dialect?