highbinder: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowHistorical / Archaic
Quick answer
What does “highbinder” mean?
A criminal gang member, especially one involved in political corruption or violent crime.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A criminal gang member, especially one involved in political corruption or violent crime.
A swindler or dishonest person; a hypocrite, especially one who pretends to high moral or religious principles while engaging in nefarious activities. Historically and specifically, a member of a Chinese secret society or criminal tong in 19th-century America.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is largely American in origin and historical usage, stemming from the Chinese immigrant communities and "tong wars" in US cities. British usage is exceedingly rare and likely borrowed from American historical contexts.
Connotations
In American English, it strongly evokes 19th-century urban crime, political machines, and anti-Chinese sentiment. In British English, if used, it would likely be seen as an obscure Americanism.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary British English. In American English, it is confined to historical writing or as a deliberately archaic literary term.
Grammar
How to Use “highbinder” in a Sentence
[highbinder] + of + [organization/place]a [adjective] highbinderVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used only in historical, sociological, or American studies contexts discussing 19th-century urban crime or Chinese-American history.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
A historical term in criminology or ethnic studies.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “highbinder”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “highbinder”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “highbinder”
- Confusing it with 'highbrow' (intellectual).
- Using it for modern, disorganized crime.
- Assuming it is a general compliment or neutral term.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are false friends. 'Highbrow' refers to intellectual culture, while 'highbinder' is a historical term for a criminal or hypocrite.
It would sound archaic and oddly specific. Terms like 'gangster', 'mobster', or 'racketeer' are standard for modern contexts.
It originated in 19th-century America as a term for members of Chinese secret societies ('tongs') involved in criminal activities and turf wars in cities like San Francisco and New York.
It can be, due to its historical association with anti-Chinese sentiment and stereotyping. It is best used with caution and only in accurate historical discussion.
A criminal gang member, especially one involved in political corruption or violent crime.
Highbinder is usually historical / archaic in register.
Highbinder: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhaɪbaɪndə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhaɪˌbaɪndər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'HIGH' moral ground he PRETENDS to bind ('BINDER') himself to, but he's really a criminal.
Conceptual Metaphor
CORRUPTION IS A SECRET SOCIETY / HYPOCRISY IS A FALSE FRONT
Practice
Quiz
Which historical context is most closely associated with the term 'highbinder'?