long johns: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, conversational
Quick answer
What does “long johns” mean?
A type of warm, full-length underwear, usually made of wool or thermal material, covering the legs and torso.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of warm, full-length underwear, usually made of wool or thermal material, covering the legs and torso.
Primarily refers to long underwear; can sometimes be used humorously or affectionately. The term is occasionally used as a synecdoche for any old-fashioned or practical winter garment.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used in both varieties with identical meaning. UK speakers might occasionally use 'long johns' more humorously, while in the US it is a standard, practical term, especially in cold regions.
Connotations
In both varieties, can connote old-fashioned, practical, or unfashionable attire. In the US, it's a standard term for serious winter wear (e.g., for skiing, hunting). In the UK, the image might be more associated with a comedic or rustic figure.
Frequency
More frequent in North American English due to generally colder winters in many regions. In the UK, it is understood but less commonly a daily item for most.
Grammar
How to Use “long johns” in a Sentence
VERB + long johns: wear ~, pull on ~, buy ~ADJ. + long johns: thermal ~, woolen ~, a pair of ~Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in retail contexts for clothing, outdoor gear, or historical costume sales.
Academic
Rare. Might appear in historical, sociological, or material culture studies discussing clothing.
Everyday
Common in conversations about cold weather, winter sports, or packing for a trip to a cold climate.
Technical
Used in textile, outdoor apparel, and survival gear industries to specify a type of base layer.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “long johns”
Strong
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “long johns”
- Using it as a singular noun (e.g., 'a long john'). It is always plural. Confusing with 'Long John Silver' (the pirate).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the term is gender-neutral in modern usage, referring to the garment style regardless of who wears it.
Typically not. They are designed as underwear, though in very casual or historical settings, they might be seen worn alone (e.g., as sleepwear or in 19th-century contexts).
Long johns are specifically thermal underwear, often made of thicker, insulating material. Leggings are typically thinner, stretchy garments worn as casual or athletic wear, not primarily for warmth.
It is a traditional term, but it remains in active use, especially in contexts dealing with cold weather, outdoor activities, and historical reenactment. It is not obsolete.
A type of warm, full-length underwear, usually made of wool or thermal material, covering the legs and torso.
Long johns is usually informal, conversational in register.
Long johns: in British English it is pronounced /ˌlɒŋ ˈdʒɒnz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌlɔːŋ ˈdʒɑːnz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a tall man named John who needs long underwear to keep his long legs warm in winter: 'Long John' wears 'long johns'.
Conceptual Metaphor
CLOTHING IS PROTECTION / PRACTICALITY IS UNFASHIONABLE
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'long johns' LEAST likely to be used?