longsleever: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowInformal, Slang, Sports
Quick answer
What does “longsleever” mean?
A term used for a person who excels at bowling or cricket over a long distance, or metaphorically for someone who persists with a task or project over a long period.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A term used for a person who excels at bowling or cricket over a long distance, or metaphorically for someone who persists with a task or project over a long period.
In informal or slang usage, can refer to a person who drinks a lot of beer, derived from the concept of a 'long glass' or a long session. More commonly, it's used in Australian and New Zealand English to describe a fast, accurate bowler in cricket. Can also metaphorically describe any sustained effort.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The cricket usage is understood in the UK but is rare and more associated with Australasian English. In the US, the word is virtually unknown, as cricket is not a mainstream sport. Any American usage would likely be a direct borrowing from Australian/UK sources.
Connotations
In Australasian sports contexts, it has a positive, skillful connotation. Elsewhere, it may sound obscure or jocular.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both standard British and American English. Its greatest frequency is in Australian and New Zealand sports journalism.
Grammar
How to Use “longsleever” in a Sentence
[Article/Quantifier] + longsleever (e.g., He's a real longsleever.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Almost never used in everyday conversation outside specific cricket communities.
Technical
A very informal, occasional term in cricket commentary or writing.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “longsleever”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “longsleever”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “longsleever”
- Using it to describe clothing.
- Assuming it is a common word in any variety of English.
- Spelling as two words ('long sleever').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, this is a common misconception due to the word's form. It is primarily a slang term for a skilled, fast bowler in cricket.
No, it is extremely rare in American English. It is most associated with Australian and New Zealand English due to the popularity of cricket there.
No, it is used exclusively as a countable noun.
In its primary sports context, the best synonyms are 'fast bowler' or 'pace bowler'.
A term used for a person who excels at bowling or cricket over a long distance, or metaphorically for someone who persists with a task or project over a long period.
Longsleever is usually informal, slang, sports in register.
Longsleever: in British English it is pronounced /ˌlɒŋˈsliːvə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌlɔːŋˈsliːvər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a cricket bowler with a LONG SLEEVE on their shirt, delivering the ball with great skill from a LONG distance.
Conceptual Metaphor
ENDURANCE IS LONG DISTANCE (The ability to persist is conceptualized as the physical act of propelling something over a great length).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'longsleever' MOST likely to be used?