mounty: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, Historical
Quick answer
What does “mounty” mean?
A member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police; a Mountie.
Informal or colloquial term referring specifically to an officer of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), known for their distinctive red serge uniform and wide-brimmed hat. Sometimes used in historical contexts or popular culture depictions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, "mounty" may appear in older texts or historical novels. In North American English, "Mountie" is the overwhelmingly dominant and standard term, with "mounty" being perceived as a Britishism or archaism.
Connotations
British usage may carry a quaint or literary tone. American/Canadian usage of "Mountie" is neutral and specific, while "mounty" might sound unfamiliar or incorrect.
Frequency
"Mounty" is extremely rare in modern American English. "Mountie" is the standard term in both Canada and the US for the RCMP officer.
Grammar
How to Use “mounty” in a Sentence
the + ADJ + mountymounty + from + PLACEmounty + VERB (patrolled, arrived, investigated)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mounty” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The mounty tracked the suspect through the woods.
- She read a tale of a brave mounty.
American English
- The Mountie tracked the suspect through the woods.
- She read a tale of a brave Mountie.
adjective
British English
- He had a mounty-like bearing.
- The old mounty tradition.
American English
- He had a Mountie-like bearing.
- The old Mountie tradition.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Only in specific historical or cultural studies of Canada or law enforcement.
Everyday
Extremely rare in everyday conversation, even in Canada. Mostly found in older books or films.
Technical
Not used in legal or policing technical jargon. The correct term is "RCMP member" or "RCMP officer."
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mounty”
- Using "mounty" in modern Canadian contexts.
- Spelling as "mountie" (which is correct for the standard term).
- Assuming it refers to any mounted (horseback) officer globally.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
While 'mounty' is found, especially in older British sources, the standard modern spelling is 'Mountie'.
No. 'Mounty/Mountie' refers specifically to a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, not generically to any mounted officer.
Virtually never in spoken language. Canadians almost exclusively use 'Mountie' or 'RCMP officer.' 'Mounty' sounds antiquated or British.
It's a colloquial abbreviation of 'mounted policeman,' specifically referring to the North-West Mounted Police (precursor to the RCMP) formed in 1873.
A member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Mounty is usually informal, historical in register.
Mounty: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmaʊnti/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmaʊnti/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Always get your mounty”
- “(as) reliable as a mounty”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a MOUNTed policeman on a horse in Canada; the 'y' ending makes it sound old-timey.
Conceptual Metaphor
A MOUNTY is a SYMBOL OF FRONTIER JUSTICE AND ORDER.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'mounty' MOST appropriately used?