matelot: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (Rare/Specialized)Informal slang, chiefly British. Naval/nautical jargon.
Quick answer
What does “matelot” mean?
A slang term for a sailor, especially one in the navy.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A slang term for a sailor, especially one in the navy.
A colloquial or familiar term for a fellow sailor; also used in British naval and broader UK slang to refer to any member of the navy.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is almost exclusively British (and Commonwealth) naval slang. It is extremely rare in American English, where 'sailor' or naval slang like 'swabby' would be used.
Connotations
In the UK, it carries a tone of informal camaraderie and traditional naval culture. In the US, it would likely be unrecognized or perceived as a foreign/Britishism.
Frequency
Common in historical and naval fiction in the UK. Very low frequency in general British English; virtually zero in American English.
Grammar
How to Use “matelot” in a Sentence
He is a matelot.We met some matelots in the pub.a chat with an old matelotVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “matelot” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not used as a verb.
American English
- Not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- Not used as an adverb.
American English
- Not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- He had a very matelot-like swagger about him.
- The pub had a matelot atmosphere.
American English
- Not used as an adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical or cultural studies of naval language.
Everyday
Very limited use; mostly by or in reference to those with naval connections.
Technical
Naval slang, not official terminology.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “matelot”
- Spelling as 'mattelot' or 'matellot'.
- Using it in formal contexts.
- Assuming it's used in modern American English.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is informal slang, primarily used in British naval contexts.
No, it specifically refers to a navy sailor, not those on commercial or fishing vessels.
It comes from French, where 'matelot' means sailor. It was borrowed into English as naval slang.
No, it is generally a neutral or friendly term among sailors, though it is informal and context-specific.
A slang term for a sailor, especially one in the navy.
Matelot: in British English it is pronounced ˈmætəlɒɪ, and in American English it is pronounced ˈmætəˌloʊ. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Shipshape and Bristol fashion (associated naval phrase, not directly with 'matelot')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: "A MATe aLOAT" -> 'matelot' is a mate (friend) who is afloat (on a ship).
Conceptual Metaphor
THE SAILOR IS A COMRADE (the term implies brotherhood and shared experience).
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is the word 'matelot' primarily used?