grundies: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low / Very LowInformal, Colloquial, Slang
Quick answer
What does “grundies” mean?
Underpants.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Underpants; a colloquial term for men's or women's underwear.
Can be used humorously or dismissively to refer to underwear. In some Australian contexts, it can refer to a general state of unease or nervousness (e.g., "to give someone the grundies").
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is not standard in mainstream British or American English. It is chiefly associated with Australian English. An American speaker would likely not understand the term; a British speaker might, but would perceive it as an Australianism.
Connotations
In Australia: humorous, informal, sometimes childish or endearing. Elsewhere: obscure or unknown.
Frequency
Essentially zero frequency in US/UK corpora. Very low even in Australian English, where it is a recognized but not common slang term.
Grammar
How to Use “grundies” in a Sentence
to have/get the grundies (Aus: to feel nervous)to give someone the grundies (Aus: to make someone nervous)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “grundies” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He quickly grundied up before answering the door. (Note: Extremely rare/innovative use)
American English
- (Not used as a verb)
adverb
British English
- (Not used as an adverb)
American English
- (Not used as an adverb)
adjective
British English
- (Not used as an adjective)
American English
- (Not used as an adjective)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Never used.
Academic
Never used.
Everyday
Only in very informal, humorous contexts among speakers familiar with the term (mainly Australia/NZ).
Technical
Never used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “grundies”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “grundies”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “grundies”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Using it as a singular noun (*"a grundy").
- Assuming it is widely understood outside Australia/NZ.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency slang term primarily used in Australia and New Zealand.
No, it is not part of American English slang and would likely cause confusion.
The etymology is uncertain but it is likely a colloquial formation, possibly from 'grundy' as a humorous personal name for underwear or related to the word 'ground' as a base layer.
Yes, it can refer to underwear generally, though context often specifies. It is not specific like 'boxers' or 'bra'.
Underpants.
Grundies is usually informal, colloquial, slang in register.
Grundies: in British English it is pronounced ˈɡrʌn.diz, and in American English it is pronounced ˈɡrʌn.diz. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Don't get your grundies in a twist (humorous variation of "Don't get your knickers in a twist").”
- “To have the grundies (Aus: to feel apprehensive).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'grungy' underwear that's seen better days – your old, comfy GRUNDies.
Conceptual Metaphor
UNDERWEAR IS A FOUNDATION LAYER (grund- relates to 'ground' or foundation).
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is 'grundies' most likely to be understood?