lurex
B2Informal, Fashion/Trade
Definition
Meaning
A brand name for a type of yarn or fabric that incorporates a thin metallic thread, giving it a glittering or sparkling appearance.
Often used generically to refer to any shiny, metallic thread used in clothing, textiles, or crafts, or to garments made from such material.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used as a mass noun (e.g., 'a dress made of lurex'). While a trademark, it is often used generically in fashion contexts. It connotes glamour, festivity, or retro (1970s) style.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical. The brand and generic term are equally recognized in both varieties.
Connotations
Similar connotations of sparkle, disco-era fashion, or festive wear. May have a slightly kitsch or ironic connotation when used today.
Frequency
Low frequency in general language, but common in fashion, textile, and craft contexts. No significant regional difference in frequency.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[garment] made of/in lurex[garment] with lurex [detail]lurex [noun], e.g., lurex jumperVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. It is not used idiomatically.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in fashion retail, textile manufacturing, and craft supply industries.
Academic
Rare. May appear in texts on textile history, fashion design, or material culture.
Everyday
Used when discussing clothing, party wear, or crafts. 'She wore a lurex skirt to the party.'
Technical
Used in knitting, weaving, and fashion design specifications.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- This fabric isn't lurexed; it's just printed. (rare, non-standard)
American English
- (No standard verb use)
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial use)
American English
- (No standard adverbial use)
adjective
British English
- She bought a fabulous lurex jumper for Christmas.
- The scarf has a subtle lurex weave.
American English
- Her holiday sweater is made with lurex threads.
- That lurex fabric catches the light beautifully.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Her shirt is shiny because it has lurex.
- I like the gold lurex in this fabric.
- The dress was made from a silver lurex material.
- For the party, she chose a top with subtle lurex threading.
- The designer used lurex to add a touch of glamour to the otherwise simple knitwear.
- Vintage lurex garments from the 1970s are popular again.
- The couture gown featured intricate embroidery interwoven with fine lurex, creating a mesmerizing effect under the lights.
- Critics panned the collection's overreliance on garish lurex, deeming it a nostalgic but unoriginal trope.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'LURE' you in with its sparkle 'X' (like a treasure mark). Lurex lures the eye.
Conceptual Metaphor
GLITTER IS LIGHT/LUXURY; SHININESS IS ATTRACTION.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'люрекс' (lyureks), which is a direct loanword and has the same meaning. The trap is assuming it's a broader term for any shiny clothing; it specifically refers to the thread/yarn type.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'a lurex' is incorrect; say 'a lurex top'). Confusing it with sequins or beads (lurex is a thread, not an attachment).
Practice
Quiz
What is 'Lurex' primarily?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is a registered trademark, but it is very commonly used in a generic sense to describe any similar metallic thread, much like 'hoover' for vacuum cleaner.
No, that would be incorrect. Lurex specifically refers to the metallic thread woven into the fabric. A sequinned dress has small shiny discs attached to its surface.
It experiences cyclical popularity. It is often used for festive or party wear and frequently reappears in fashion as a retro or ironic trend.
In British English: /ˈl(j)ʊərɛks/ (LOO-reks or LYOO-reks). In American English: /ˈlʊrɛks/ (LOOR-eks). The first syllable rhymes with 'pure' in the UK and with 'tour' in the US.