gnashers: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low to MediumInformal, Slang, Humorous
Quick answer
What does “gnashers” mean?
Teeth, especially prominent, strong, or false ones.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Teeth, especially prominent, strong, or false ones.
A humorous or slang term for teeth, often used to describe a wide, toothy smile or a set of dentures. Can imply teeth that are used for biting or chewing vigorously.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common and widely understood in British English. In American English, it is less frequent and may be considered obscure or a very niche slang.
Connotations
In the UK, it has a strong working-class, Cockney, or 'lad' culture association. In the US, if used, it carries a stronger sense of being a quirky British import.
Frequency
Primarily a UK term. Rare in formal or professional American contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “gnashers” in a Sentence
to flash one's gnashersto get one's gnashers into (something)to have a new set of gnashersVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Never used in formal writing.
Everyday
Used in informal, humorous conversation among friends, typically in the UK.
Technical
Not used in dentistry; considered unprofessional slang.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gnashers”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gnashers”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gnashers”
- Spelling it as 'nashes' or 'gnashas'.
- Using it in a formal context.
- Assuming it is a standard, polite term.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is informal, humorous slang. It is not appropriate for formal or professional settings.
Yes, it can refer to any teeth, but it often has a connotation of them being prominent, noticeable, or false.
No, it is primarily British. An American might understand it from context, but it is not part of everyday American vocabulary.
There is no standard singular form. The word is almost exclusively used in the plural to mean 'a set of teeth'. You would not call a single tooth a 'gnasher'.
Teeth, especially prominent, strong, or false ones.
Gnashers is usually informal, slang, humorous in register.
Gnashers: in British English it is pronounced /ˈnæʃ.əz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈnæʃ.ɚz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Get your gnashers into that steak!”
- “He flashed a smile, all gnashers and gums.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a cartoon shark GNASHING its teeth – those big, scary teeth are its GNASHERS.
Conceptual Metaphor
TEETH ARE TOOLS FOR GRINDING/CRUSHING (from the action 'to gnash').
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'gnashers' be MOST appropriately used?