lochinvar: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low / LiteraryLiterary / Poetic
Quick answer
What does “lochinvar” mean?
A proper noun.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A proper noun; the name of a romantic hero in Sir Walter Scott's 1808 poem 'Marmion', who boldly elopes with his love.
An archetype or byword for a daring, romantic hero or a dashing, impetuous lover who acts with boldness and gallantry.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word originates in British literature. Recognition and usage are likely marginally higher in British English due to its place in the Scottish/British literary canon, but it remains rare in both varieties.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries connotations of romantic chivalry, bold action, and a somewhat old-fashioned or literary flair.
Frequency
Extremely rare in everyday speech in both the UK and US. Almost entirely confined to literary discussion or metaphorical allusion.
Grammar
How to Use “lochinvar” in a Sentence
He was a Lochinvar.He acted the part of Lochinvar.With a Lochinvar-like boldness, he...He rode in, a veritable Lochinvar.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “lochinvar” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- His Lochinvar antics were the talk of the village.
- She was swept off her feet by his Lochinvar charm.
American English
- He made a Lochinvar-style declaration right in the middle of the party.
- It was a moment of pure Lochinvar bravado.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in literary criticism or history when discussing Sir Walter Scott or Romantic poetry.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might be used humorously or metaphorically to describe a bold romantic gesture.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “lochinvar”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “lochinvar”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “lochinvar”
- Using it as a verb ('He lochinvarred her').
- Mispronouncing the 'ch' as /tʃ/ (like 'church') instead of /k/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It's a real literary allusion, but its use in everyday conversation is very rare and would likely be considered humorous or intentionally high-brow. Most listeners may not recognize the reference.
Yes, in literary or figurative contexts, it can be used attributively (e.g., 'a Lochinvar gesture') to mean 'boldly romantic in a dashing, old-fashioned way.'
It is the name of a character created by Scottish author Sir Walter Scott for his 1808 narrative poem 'Marmion'. The name is Scottish, from 'loch' (lake) and a possible place name 'Invar'.
Pronounce the 'ch' as a /k/ sound, like in 'lock'. British: /ˌlɒkɪnˈvɑː/. American: /ˌlɑːkɪnˈvɑːr/. The stress is on the final syllable: '-var'.
A proper noun.
Lochinvar is usually literary / poetic in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to pull a Lochinvar”
- “a Lochinvar escapade”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
LOCK the door, he's IN, and he's taking her FAR away - that's Lochinvar.
Conceptual Metaphor
ROMANTIC PURSUIT IS A HEROIC QUEST / BOLD ACTION IS A CAVALRY CHARGE
Practice
Quiz
The term 'Lochinvar' is primarily associated with: