gorger: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal (gluttony sense), Ethnonym (Romani sense)
Quick answer
What does “gorger” mean?
A person who eats food greedily or to excess.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who eats food greedily or to excess.
In Romani culture, a non-Romani person; an outsider (often used by Romani people). Informally: someone who gorges themselves.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The Romani sense is more likely encountered in UK due to larger Romani population and cultural awareness. The 'glutton' sense is rare but understood in both.
Connotations
UK: Strong association with Romani culture. US: Primary association is with gluttony, with little awareness of the Romani term.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both varieties; specialist/niche term.
Grammar
How to Use “gorger” in a Sentence
[determiner] + gorgerVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gorger” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He would gorger himself on roast dinners every Sunday.
American English
- She gorgers on popcorn at every movie.
adverb
British English
- [Not applicable]
American English
- [Not applicable]
adjective
British English
- [Not standard; 'gorging' used instead]
American English
- [Not standard; 'gorging' used instead]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
May appear in anthropological/sociological texts discussing Romani communities.
Everyday
Rare. If used, likely in jocular criticism of someone eating too much.
Technical
Not applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gorger”
- Misspelling as 'gorgor' or 'gourger'. Using the Romani sense without cultural awareness.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency word. The 'glutton' sense is rare and informal. The Romani sense is used within specific cultural contexts.
The 'glutton' sense is mildly insulting. The Romani sense is an in-group term; used by outsiders without understanding, it can be inappropriate.
'Gorger' implies greedy, excessive eating without sophistication. 'Gourmand' can imply a knowledgeable and enthusiastic love of good food and drink.
Standard dictionaries list it only as a noun. The verb is 'to gorge'. However, creative/playful use as a verb (e.g., 'he gorgers') might be encountered informally.
A person who eats food greedily or to excess.
Gorger is usually informal (gluttony sense), ethnonym (romani sense) in register.
Gorger: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡɔːdʒə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡɔːrdʒər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a GORGEous feast, and a person (ER) who can't stop eating it – a GORGEr.
Conceptual Metaphor
EXCESS IS A HOLE (gorge as both noun/verb). PERSON IS A CONTAINER (being filled excessively).
Practice
Quiz
In the context of Romani culture, what does 'gorger' mean?