pal: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
mediuminformal
Quick answer
What does “pal” mean?
A close friend.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A close friend; a companion.
Used informally to address someone, often in a friendly or sometimes slightly condescending way.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common in British English, but widely understood in American English. In the US, it can sound slightly old-fashioned or deliberately folksy.
Connotations
In UK English, it's a standard, neutral informal term for a friend. In US English, it can carry connotations of mid-20th-century slang, camaraderie, or, in address, potential aggression.
Frequency
High frequency in UK informal speech; medium-to-low frequency in US informal speech, often replaced by 'buddy', 'dude', or 'man'.
Grammar
How to Use “pal” in a Sentence
be pals with someonepal up (with someone)pal around (with someone)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “pal” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- He's been my pal since primary school.
- I'm meeting a few pals down the pub later.
American English
- He was a pen pal I wrote to for years.
- Alright, pal, what seems to be the problem?
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare and inappropriate in formal business contexts. Might be used humorously between long-time colleagues.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Common in informal conversation between friends, especially in the UK.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pal”
- Using 'pal' in formal writing or speech.
- Overusing 'pal' in American English where 'friend' or 'buddy' is more natural.
- Misreading the tone when addressed as 'pal' (friendly vs. confrontational).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not inherently. When used to refer to a friend, it's friendly. When used as a form of address ('Hey, pal'), tone is critical—it can be neutral, friendly, or aggressive.
'Pal' is common in UK English. 'Mate' is very common in UK and Australian English. 'Buddy' is the most common equivalent in modern US English. All are informal.
Yes, 'pen pal' is a standard, neutral compound noun accepted in all registers to describe someone with whom one corresponds by post/email.
Yes, it is gender-neutral. You can have a male pal or a female pal.
A close friend.
Pal: in British English it is pronounced /pæl/, and in American English it is pronounced /pæl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “pals at first sight?”
- “thick as thieves (like pals)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a PAL sitting with you on a PARK BENCH. PAL = Park Bench Always Likes you.
Conceptual Metaphor
FRIENDSHIP IS PROXIMITY (pal, companion, sidekick).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is using the word 'pal' LEAST appropriate?