pimple
B1informal, everyday
Definition
Meaning
A small, inflamed, often pus-filled swelling on the skin.
Any small, sharp, and often troublesome protrusion or flaw on a surface, metaphorically extended to minor annoyances or problems.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily refers to a symptom of acne, common during adolescence. Can carry connotations of adolescence, poor hygiene, or temporary unsightliness.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major lexical difference; both use 'pimple'. However, 'spot' is a more common synonymous term in British English.
Connotations
Slightly more juvenile and informal connotation in American English, where 'zit' or 'blemish' are also very common.
Frequency
More frequent in American English than British, where 'spot' competes strongly.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
have a pimple on [body part]a pimple appeared on [surface]to pimple (verb - rare)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “pimple on the face of the Earth (derogatory, for an insignificant place)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used, except in marketing for skincare products.
Academic
Used in medical (dermatology) and psychological contexts (e.g., adolescent self-image).
Everyday
The primary context for discussing minor skin problems.
Technical
In dermatology, a specific type of inflammatory acne lesion.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The surface of the old paint was beginning to pimple and crack.
American English
- Stress can cause your skin to pimple up unexpectedly.
adverb
British English
- (Not used; no standard examples)
American English
- (Not used; no standard examples)
adjective
British English
- The pimple cream didn't work as advertised.
American English
- She has a serious pimple problem right before the dance.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I have a pimple on my nose.
- Don't touch the pimple!
- He was embarrassed because a large pimple appeared on his chin.
- She uses a special lotion to get rid of pimples.
- Despite trying every treatment, her persistent pimples wouldn't clear up before the wedding.
- The scandal was merely a pimple on the career of the long-reigning politician.
- The dermatologist explained the pathogenesis of the inflammatory pimple, detailing the role of sebum and bacteria.
- The minor ethical breach was dismissed as a mere pimple on the organization's otherwise spotless record.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a PIMPLE is a PIN that makes your skin PLEat (fold/bump) up.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROBLEMS ARE SKIN IMPERFECTIONS (e.g., 'a pimple on our otherwise perfect record').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с 'прыщ' (jump) или 'угорь' (eel/acne). Правильный перевод — 'прыщ' в значении кожного воспаления.
- В русском 'прыщ' может звучать грубее, чем нейтральное 'pimple'; 'прыщик' ближе по регистру.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'pimple' for large cysts or boils (medical terms).
- Confusing 'pimple' (single lesion) with 'acne' (the condition).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the MOST informal synonym for 'pimple'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Acne is the name of the skin condition or disease. A pimple is one individual lesion or symptom of acne.
Dermatologists strongly advise against it, as it can push bacteria deeper, cause scarring, and lead to further inflammation.
It is informal and direct but not inherently rude. However, commenting on someone else's pimples is considered impolite.
Yes, adult acne is common. Pimples are not exclusive to teenagers, though they are most frequent during puberty.