mountie: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, but widely recognized and used in semi-formal contexts when referring to the RCMP.
Quick answer
What does “mountie” mean?
A member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
Informally, any member of the RCMP, a Canadian federal and national law enforcement agency known for its iconic scarlet tunic, wide-brimmed hat, and historical role in establishing law and order in western Canada. The term often evokes the romanticized image of the mounted police officer.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used identically in both UK and US English to refer specifically to the Canadian police force. There is no equivalent institution in the UK or US, so the referent is the same.
Connotations
Conjures images of Canadian wilderness, tradition, and a somewhat romanticized, heroic figure from history and popular culture (e.g., 'Due South').
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in North American English due to geographical and cultural proximity to Canada, but equally understood in the UK.
Grammar
How to Use “mountie” in a Sentence
The mountie [verb: arrived, arrested, patrolled]A mountie in [location: uniform, Alberta, the Yukon]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used, except in tourism or media industries related to Canada.
Academic
Used in historical, cultural, or criminological studies discussing Canadian institutions.
Everyday
Common in news reports, travel discussions, and casual reference to Canadian police.
Technical
Not a technical term; the formal 'RCMP officer' or specific rank is preferred in legal/administrative contexts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mountie”
- Using 'mountie' for any police officer on horseback.
- Capitalizing it as a formal title (e.g., 'Mountie Smith') outside of very informal, personifying contexts.
- Spelling as 'mounty'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's a colloquial, though very common, term for an RCMP officer. Official titles are Constable, Corporal, Sergeant, etc.
While modern RCMP officers primarily use cars and other vehicles, the Musical Ride, a ceremonial troop, continues to perform on horseback, and horses may be used in certain rural or ceremonial capacities.
Yes. Women have been full-fledged members of the RCMP since 1974.
The iconic scarlet tunic was originally adopted from the British military tradition and was chosen for its visibility and distinctive appearance on the frontier.
A member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
Mountie is usually informal, but widely recognized and used in semi-formal contexts when referring to the rcmp. in register.
Mountie: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmaʊnti/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmaʊn(t)i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a MOUNT-ain (or a horse they MOUNT) with a Canadian maple leaf on it – a Mountie patrols the Canadian mountains and plains.
Conceptual Metaphor
LAW IS ORDER (embodied by the iconic, orderly figure of the Mountie establishing order in the wilderness).
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'mountie'?