matlo: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare / ArchaicInformal, Slang, Archaic
Quick answer
What does “matlo” mean?
A slang term for a sailor (especially in the Royal Navy).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A slang term for a sailor (especially in the Royal Navy).
A colloquial or humorous term for a naval rating or enlisted sailor. Originating from late 19th/early 20th century naval slang, possibly from French 'matelot'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Primarily a British naval slang term. Not commonly used in American English, where 'sailor', 'seaman', or 'swabbie' would be more typical.
Connotations
In British usage, it carries a somewhat affectionate, old-fashioned, 'salt of the earth' connotation. In modern contexts, it might sound deliberately quaint or theatrical.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in contemporary language. Found mainly in historical novels, films, or among naval history enthusiasts.
Grammar
How to Use “matlo” in a Sentence
The [adjective] matlo [verb, past tense]...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “matlo” 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 proper matlo spirit about him.
American English
- (Not used as an adjective in AmE.)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Rarely used, only in historical or linguistic papers discussing naval slang.
Everyday
Virtually never used in modern everyday conversation.
Technical
Not a technical term.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “matlo”
- Using it as a modern term for any sailor.
- Spelling it as 'matlow' or 'matelot' (the latter is the French origin).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a rare and archaic slang term.
It would sound very odd and anachronistic. Use 'sailor', 'seaman', or 'rating' instead.
It is believed to derive from the French word 'matelot', meaning sailor.
'Matelot' is the standard French word for sailor. 'Matlo' is the Anglicised, slang version used historically in the Royal Navy.
A slang term for a sailor (especially in the Royal Navy).
Matlo is usually informal, slang, archaic in register.
Matlo: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmætləʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmætloʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “'Cheer up, my old matlo!' (a phrase of encouragement).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a MAT with a sailor (LO) sitting on it: MAT-LO.
Conceptual Metaphor
SAILOR IS A CHARACTER TYPE (the stereotypical, hearty naval man).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'matlo' be most appropriately used today?