matey: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2Informal, colloquial, jocular.
Quick answer
What does “matey” mean?
A term of familiar address for a friend, acquaintance, or fellow crew member.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A term of familiar address for a friend, acquaintance, or fellow crew member.
A friendly, informal term used to address someone, often suggesting camaraderie or nautical association. Can also describe a person or atmosphere that is friendly and sociable.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common and widely understood in British English. In American English, its use is largely limited to conscious imitation of British speech or pirate stereotypes.
Connotations
British: Can denote genuine, slightly old-fashioned or working-class friendliness, or be used ironically. American: Almost exclusively evokes pirates or parody of British speech.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but higher recognizability and occasional genuine use in the UK. In the US, it is a marked, stylistic choice.
Grammar
How to Use “matey” in a Sentence
[Address form]: Alright, matey? (Intransitive)[As adjective] + with + NP: He was being overly matey with the new boss.[As adjective] as complement: Don't get too matey.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “matey” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Not standard as a verb)
American English
- (Not standard as a verb)
adverb
British English
- (Not standard as an adverb)
American English
- (Not standard as an adverb)
adjective
British English
- The pub had a nice, matey atmosphere.
- He's a bit too matey with customers he's just met.
American English
- (Rare as adjective outside of imitation) The actor's matey demeanor was perfect for the pirate role.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Highly inappropriate; would seem unprofessional or mocking.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Used occasionally in informal British settings among friends, often humorously. In the US, only in themed contexts (pirate parties).
Technical
Used in historical/nautical contexts referring to sailors or pirates.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “matey”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Overusing it in an American context and sounding like a caricature.
- Using it as a default term for 'friend' instead of the more common 'mate' or 'pal'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Mate' is a common, general informal term for friend. 'Matey' is more specific, often nautical, jocular, or used to describe a friendly manner. It's less common than 'mate'.
Only in very specific contexts, like a pirate-themed event or when intentionally mimicking British English. In normal conversation, it will sound very affected or humorous.
'Matey' itself can be used as an adjective, meaning 'friendly in a sociable, informal way' (e.g., 'a matey chat').
Yes, it is informal colloquialism or slang. It is not appropriate for formal writing or speech.
A term of familiar address for a friend, acquaintance, or fellow crew member.
Matey is usually informal, colloquial, jocular. in register.
Matey: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmeɪti/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmeɪdi/ || /ˈmeɪti/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Shiver me timbers, matey! (pirate cliché)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a MATE on a ship saying 'Ahoy, MATE-E!' to another sailor.
Conceptual Metaphor
FELLOWSHIP IS NAUTICAL CAMARADERIE.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'matey' LEAST likely to be used naturally?