metho: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very lowInformal, colloquial. Regional (chiefly Australian, New Zealand).
Quick answer
What does “metho” mean?
A casual shortening of 'methylated spirits' in Australian and New Zealand English.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A casual shortening of 'methylated spirits' in Australian and New Zealand English; a denatured alcohol used as a solvent, fuel, or cleaning agent.
Colloquially refers to methylated spirits, especially when consumed as a harmful, intoxicating substitute for alcohol by individuals with severe alcohol dependence. Often associated with poverty and social marginalization.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is almost exclusively used in Australian and New Zealand English. In British English, the full term 'methylated spirits' is standard. In American English, the equivalent product is typically called 'denatured alcohol' or 'methyl hydrate'; the clipped form 'metho' is unknown.
Connotations
In its regional context, it has strong negative connotations of addiction and destitution. Outside its region, it is simply not recognized.
Frequency
Frequency is negligible in both British and American English; it is a regionalism.
Grammar
How to Use “metho” in a Sentence
[Subject] drinks metho.[Subject] is on the metho.He's a metho drinker.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “metho” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Not used as a verb in this region)
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
- (Rarely used attributively, e.g., 'a metho addict')
American English
- (Not used as an adjective)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used. The formal term is 'methylated spirits' or 'denatured alcohol' in industrial/retail contexts.
Academic
Not used in formal writing. May appear in sociological, medical, or public health studies on substance abuse in Australasia.
Everyday
Used colloquially in Australia/NZ, but with caution due to its sensitive subject matter. Often used in news reports or discussions about social issues.
Technical
Not used. Technical terms are 'ethanol denatured with methanol' or specific product names.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “metho”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “metho”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “metho”
- Using it to refer to any strong alcohol.
- Using it in formal contexts.
- Assuming it is understood outside Australia/NZ.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Metho refers to methylated spirits, which is ethanol made poisonous and undrinkable by adding chemicals like methanol. Consuming it is extremely dangerous and can cause blindness or death.
No, it is not a standard term in those dialects. In the UK, you might hear the informal clip 'meths', and in the US, the standard term is 'denatured alcohol'.
Because it is directly associated with severe substance abuse, poverty, and social marginalization. Using it flippantly can be seen as insensitive to a serious health issue.
No, there is no direct relation. 'Metho' is short for 'methylated', referring to methanol. Methamphetamine is a different, illicit stimulant drug, sometimes shortened to 'meth'. This is a potential point of confusion but the substances are entirely different.
A casual shortening of 'methylated spirits' in Australian and New Zealand English.
Metho is usually informal, colloquial. regional (chiefly australian, new zealand). in register.
Metho: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɛθəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɛθoʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “On the metho: addicted to drinking methylated spirits.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'METH'ylated spirits, but you can't drink it, OH NO!' -> METH-O. (Highlights its dangerous, non-beverage nature).
Conceptual Metaphor
SUBSTANCE OF LAST RESORT / DESTITUTION IS CONSUMING POISON.
Practice
Quiz
In which regional variety of English is the word 'metho' primarily used?