left-hander
B1Neutral to Informal
Definition
Meaning
A person who uses their left hand more skillfully or in preference to their right, especially for tasks like writing.
A thing designed for or associated with a left-handed person (e.g., a tool, glove). In sports, a left-handed pitcher or boxer. Informally, an unexpected or unconventional remark or action.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily refers to a person. The plural form is 'left-handers'. Can be used attributively in compound nouns like 'left-hander scissors'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Both use 'left-hander' commonly. 'Southpaw' is a more specific, informal synonym, especially common in American sports journalism for left-handed boxers or pitchers.
Connotations
Neutral in both dialects. The informal extended sense of an 'unexpected remark' is equally understood but not extremely common.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in sports contexts in the US due to baseball's cultural prominence. In the UK, cricket commentary might use it similarly.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[be] a left-hander[pitch/throw/bat] as a left-hander[designed] for a left-handerVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “throw a left-hander (make an unexpected critical remark)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might appear in ergonomics or product design discussions.
Academic
Used in psychology, neuroscience, or sports science studies on lateralization.
Everyday
Common when discussing personal traits, sports, or buying specialized equipment.
Technical
Used in sports coaching and equipment manufacturing specifications.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- He uses a left-hander mouse.
- It's a left-hander guitar.
American English
- She bought left-hander scissors.
- He's a left-hander pitcher.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My brother is a left-hander.
- These scissors are for a left-hander.
- As the only left-hander in the family, he needs special kitchen tools.
- The new baseball player is a talented left-hander.
- The manager's comment about restructuring was a real political left-hander that stunned the team.
- His research focuses on the cognitive advantages observed in some left-handers.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Remember: A LEFT-HANDER has their 'hand LEFT' on the page when writing, unlike most others.
Conceptual Metaphor
LEFT IS UNCOMMON/CONTRARY (e.g., 'a left-handed compliment').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'левый хендер'. Use 'левша' (person) or 'левый' as an adjective (левый питчер).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'left-hand' as a noun for a person (incorrect: 'He is a left-hand'; correct: 'He is a left-hander').
- Confusing 'left-hander' (noun) with 'left-handed' (adjective).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the MOST common and neutral meaning of 'left-hander'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is neutral but slightly more informal than 'left-handed person'. Perfectly acceptable in everyday and journalistic use.
'Lefty' is informal and can also be a political nickname. 'Left-hander' is the standard term for the person or adapted object.
Yes, attributively. For example, 'left-hander scissors' or 'a left-hander desk' are commonly understood to mean 'designed for a left-handed person'.
Approximately 10% of the population are left-handers, making it a minority trait but not extremely rare.