out-and-outer
Very lowInformal, archaic, humorous
Definition
Meaning
A person who exemplifies the ultimate degree of a particular quality, typically either excellence or a negative trait; a thorough example of something.
Can refer to an extreme person in any category, from an enthusiastic supporter to a complete scoundrel. Often implies being unreserved, complete, or unmitigated.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The meaning is highly context-dependent. It can be complimentary (e.g., a champion) or derogatory (e.g., a rogue). It is often found in 19th and early 20th century literature and speech.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is historically used in both varieties but is now obsolete in common American English. It survives marginally in British English, primarily in humorous or archaic contexts.
Connotations
In British usage, it retains a slight Dickensian or music-hall flavour. In American usage, if encountered, it would likely be in historical texts.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary use for both varieties, with slightly higher recognition in the UK due to its presence in classic literature.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
He/She is [an/quite the] out-and-outer.That [fellow/blighter] is a real out-and-outer!They considered him the out-and-outer in dishonesty.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Out-and-out (adj.) - complete, utter”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Only in historical or literary analysis.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would be used for deliberate, playful archaism.
Technical
Not applicable.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- In the old story, the pirate captain was a real out-and-outer.
- My grandad calls a very dishonest person an out-and-outer.
- When it comes to punctuality, Sarah is an out-and-outer; she's never been late once.
- The politician was denounced by his opponents as an out-and-outer in corruption.
- The critic described the virtuoso violinist as the out-and-outer of her generation, a musician of unparalleled technical mastery.
- In Dickens's novels, you often find characters who are out-and-outers, representing the absolute zenith or nadir of human qualities.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of someone who is 'OUT' in front and 'OUT' of the ordinary in every way - an OUT-and-OUTer.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMPLETENESS IS BEING AT THE EXTREME EDGE (an 'outer' of the 'out' category).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate literally as "вне и вне".
- Beware of false cognates with "аутсайдер" (outsider), which has an opposite meaning of someone left out.
- The closest conceptual translations might be "законченный тип" (finished type) or "отпетый субъект" (hardened subject), depending on context.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as an adjective (the adjective is 'out-and-out').
- Confusing it with 'outsider'.
- Using it in a modern, serious context where it sounds unnatural.
Practice
Quiz
In which context might the term 'out-and-outer' be most naturally used today?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered archaic and is very rarely used in modern English. You might encounter it in old books, films set in the past, or used humorously to sound old-fashioned.
Yes, but it depends entirely on context. It can mean the ultimate example of excellence (e.g., 'an out-and-outer at cricket') or the ultimate example of something bad (e.g., 'an out-and-outer of a villain').
'Out-and-out' is an adjective meaning 'complete' or 'utter' (e.g., an out-and-out lie). 'Out-and-outer' is a noun referring to a person who is a complete example of something.
No. For English learners, it is much more important to understand its meaning when reading or hearing it in historical contexts. It is not recommended for active use in speaking or writing unless deliberately mimicking an archaic style.