harrington
C1Informal, Specific (Fashion/Clothing)
Definition
Meaning
A short, lightweight jacket, typically made of cotton or nylon, with a pointed collar, ribbed cuffs and hem, and often a tartan or checked lining.
The name can also refer to a surname of English origin, and occasionally to specific places, products (e.g., a brand of jacket), or historical figures bearing that name.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a common noun in the context of fashion; otherwise functions as a proper noun (surname/place name). Its use as a clothing term is culturally specific, recognized in the UK and among fashion enthusiasts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'harrington' is a recognized term for a specific style of jacket (popularised by brands like Baracuta). In the US, the term is less common and the garment might be described more generically as a 'windbreaker', 'light jacket', or specifically as a 'Baracuta jacket'.
Connotations
In the UK, it carries connotations of 1960s mod culture, skinhead fashion, and British style. In the US, it has little cultural connotation beyond being a type of jacket, unless used by fashion-conscious individuals.
Frequency
Significantly more frequent in UK English. Rare in general American English outside of specific fashion or historical contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
He owns a [Adjective] harrington.The harrington is lined with [Material].To wear a harrington over a [Garment].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Possibly in retail or fashion industry contexts discussing product lines.
Academic
Very rare, except in historical or cultural studies focusing on fashion or subcultures.
Everyday
Used in UK when discussing casual clothing. Uncommon in US everyday speech.
Technical
Used in fashion design and menswear to describe a specific jacket cut and style.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- He has a very harrington-style look about him.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He put on his jacket.
- I need a light jacket for the spring weather.
- His navy harrington was perfect for the cool summer evening.
- The harrington jacket, with its distinctive tartan lining, became an iconic piece of British mod culture.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of HARRY wearing a TON of style in his smart, pointed-collar jacket – HARR(ying)-TON.
Conceptual Metaphor
A harrington is a SHELL (light, protective outer layer) and a BADGE (signifier of a particular subculture or style).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating it as a generic 'куртка' (jacket) without specifying its distinctive style (pointed collar, ribbed trim).
- Do not confuse with the surname 'Гаррингтон' (Harrington) when the context is about clothing.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'harrington' to refer to any casual jacket.
- Capitalising it as a common noun ('a Harrington'). While sometimes seen, the standard is lowercase.
- Assuming it is understood in all English-speaking regions.
Practice
Quiz
A 'harrington' is primarily characterised by which feature?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
All harringtons are lightweight jackets, but not all windbreakers are harringtons. A harrington has a specific design (pointed collar, ribbed trim) originating from a particular brand/style.
It is extremely uncommon as a first name. It is overwhelmingly a surname or a place name.
The name is popularly attributed to the character Rodney Harrington from the 1960s US TV show 'Peyton Place', who wore the style, helping to popularise it.
No, it is inherently casual or smart-casual wear, though it can be dressed up more than a typical sports jacket.