ginge: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Medium (UK Informal)Informal, colloquial, potentially offensive
Quick answer
What does “ginge” mean?
An informal, often slightly derogatory British term for a person with red hair.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An informal, often slightly derogatory British term for a person with red hair.
Informally refers to the state or characteristic of having red hair; sometimes used as an adjective.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is almost exclusively British (and to some extent Irish/Australian). American English does not use 'ginge' in this sense; it is not part of the lexicon.
Connotations
In the UK, it carries strong, often negative cultural stereotypes associated with red hair (temper, appearance). In the US, the term is unknown, so there are no connotations.
Frequency
Common in UK informal speech, especially among younger demographics. Extremely rare to non-existent in any register of American English.
Grammar
How to Use “ginge” in a Sentence
He's a [ginge].They called him a [ginge].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “ginge” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He's got ginge hair. (less common than 'ginger')
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Never used.
Academic
Never used.
Everyday
Used in casual UK conversation, but can cause offense. More common in descriptive/noun form ('He's a ginge') than as an adjective.
Technical
Never used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “ginge”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “ginge”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ginge”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Using it in American English expecting to be understood.
- Using it as a direct, inoffensive synonym for 'redhead'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it can be, especially when used by someone who is not a redhead. It is informal and often derogatory, reducing a person to a single physical trait with associated stereotypes. Many consider it a slur.
Americans would almost certainly not be understood if they used 'ginge' to mean a redhead. The term is not part of American English vocabulary. Americans say 'redhead' or, informally, 'ginger' (though 'ginger' is less common in the US).
'Ginge' is a clipped, slang form of 'ginger'. 'Ginger' is the standard informal term, which can also be offensive but has seen some reclamation. 'Ginge' is almost exclusively a noun for a person and is considered more colloquial and often more derogatory than 'ginger'.
It is found in some UK slang dictionaries and online resources (like Urban Dictionary), but it is not a standard lexical entry in major descriptive dictionaries like the OED, as it is considered a colloquial shortening with strong informal/offensive connotations.
An informal, often slightly derogatory British term for a person with red hair.
Ginge is usually informal, colloquial, potentially offensive in register.
Ginge: in British English it is pronounced /dʒɪndʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced N/A. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not applicable.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'ginger' but chopped short, just like the word.
Conceptual Metaphor
METONYMY: A physical trait (red hair) stands for the whole person, often reductively.
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is the term 'ginge' (meaning a red-haired person) primarily used?