longs: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal to technical (depending on context: clothing is informal; finance is technical jargon).
Quick answer
What does “longs” mean?
The plural noun referring to long underpants or trousers, specifically designed to cover the legs and body for warmth, used in contexts like sportswear or cold-weather clothing.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The plural noun referring to long underpants or trousers, specifically designed to cover the legs and body for warmth, used in contexts like sportswear or cold-weather clothing.
In finance, an informal term for investors holding a 'long' position, expecting prices to rise. In general, it can refer to anything long in length or duration in plural form (e.g., 'the longs and shorts of it').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term for thermal underwear or similar legwear is almost exclusively British (e.g., 'thermal longs'). In American English, equivalent terms are 'long johns' or 'thermal underwear/pants'. The finance sense is used in both varieties.
Connotations
In the UK, 'longs' (clothing) has a practical, somewhat old-fashioned connotation. In the US, using 'longs' for clothing would likely be misunderstood.
Frequency
In the UK, the clothing sense is low-frequency and niche (e.g., outdoor/hiking contexts). In the US, this sense is virtually nonexistent.
Grammar
How to Use “longs” in a Sentence
[Subject] wears/wore thermal longs.[Investor] holds/is long on [asset].The [list/group] consists of longs and shorts.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “longs” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He longs for the summer holidays.
- She still longs to visit Japan.
American English
- He longs for the good old days.
- She longs to see her family again.
adverb
British English
- He didn't stay long at the party.
- Have you been working here long?
American English
- She didn't wait long before leaving.
- How long have you lived here?
adjective
British English
- She has long, dark hair.
- It was a long and tedious meeting.
American English
- He took a long walk on the beach.
- We waited a long time for the bus.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In trading: 'The longs are betting on a rally.'
Academic
Rare; potentially in economic or textile history papers.
Everyday
UK: 'Better pack your longs for the hiking trip.'
Technical
Finance: 'The fund increased its longs in the energy sector.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “longs”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “longs”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “longs”
- Using 'a longs' (it's a plural noun: 'a pair of longs').
- Using the clothing sense in American English contexts.
- Confusing 'longs' (noun) with 'longs' (verb form: he longs for).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's not standard for regular trousers. It specifically refers to long underpants or thermal legwear, primarily in UK English.
No, it is inherently plural (like 'trousers' or 'shorts'). You refer to 'a pair of longs'.
'Longs' is a more general British term for any long thermal legwear. 'Long johns' is a specific, common type (often buttoned) used in both UK and US English.
It is standard informal jargon within the finance and trading industry. In formal reports, terms like 'long positions' or 'buy positions' are preferred.
The plural noun referring to long underpants or trousers, specifically designed to cover the legs and body for warmth, used in contexts like sportswear or cold-weather clothing.
Longs: in British English it is pronounced /lɒŋz/, and in American English it is pronounced /lɔːŋz/ or /lɑːŋz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “the longs and shorts of it (rare variant of 'long and short')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: LONG Sleeves for arms, LONGs for legs. Both keep you warm.
Conceptual Metaphor
LENGTH FOR DURATION/PROTECTION (long clothing covers/protects over a long area; a long position expects a long period of gain).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the noun 'longs' most likely to be used in British English?