marge: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, dated, chiefly British.
Quick answer
What does “marge” mean?
A dated or informal term for margarine.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A dated or informal term for margarine.
Can be used humorously or in a dated context to refer to margarine, particularly in British English. In American English, it is more likely to be understood as a nickname for the name Margaret or as a verb meaning to provide with a margin.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In UK English, 'marge' is an informal shortening for 'margarine'. In US English, this food-related meaning is far less common. In US English, 'marge' is more readily interpreted as a nickname for 'Margaret' or, rarely, as a verb (to marge = to margin).
Connotations
UK: Nostalgic, dated, working-class. US: Primarily a proper name; the food term is very rare and might cause confusion.
Frequency
The food term is uncommon in modern UK English and extremely rare in US English. It is an example of lexical attrition.
Grammar
How to Use “marge” in a Sentence
NOUN: Pass the marge.NOUN as MODIFIER: a marge substituteVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “marge” in a Sentence
verb
American English
- The editor will marge the text to fit the column.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Unlikely, except in historical contexts of the food industry.
Academic
Virtually never used.
Everyday
May be used by older generations in the UK; otherwise rare.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “marge”
- Using 'marge' in formal or international contexts.
- Assuming Americans will understand it as 'margarine'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is dated and has largely been replaced by 'margarine' or simply 'spread'.
It is not recommended. Most Americans will think of it as a nickname for Margaret (like Marge Simpson) and not understand the food reference.
It rhymes with 'large'. /mɑːdʒ/ in British English and /mɑːrdʒ/ in American English.
As margarine became more mainstream and marketed as a healthy or premium product, the informal, somewhat negative connotations of the shortened form 'marge' made it less desirable for manufacturers and speakers.
A dated or informal term for margarine.
Marge is usually informal, dated, chiefly british. in register.
Marge: in British English it is pronounced /mɑːdʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /mɑːrdʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “bread and marge (contrasted with 'bread and butter')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Remember 'Marge' from The Simpsons; she wouldn't use 'marge' (margarine) on her toast, she'd use butter.
Conceptual Metaphor
SUBSTITUTE IS AN INFERIOR COPY (marge as a cheaper, inferior substitute for butter).
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is 'marge' most likely to be understood as a food product?