redcoat: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Historical, Literary
Quick answer
What does “redcoat” mean?
A historical British soldier, especially from the 18th or 19th century, named for the distinctive bright red uniform.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A historical British soldier, especially from the 18th or 19th century, named for the distinctive bright red uniform.
A term used primarily to refer to British soldiers from the period of the American Revolution and the British Empire; can also be used figuratively or in historical reenactment contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the US, the term is strongly tied to the Revolutionary War and often used in historical and educational contexts, sometimes with a negative patriotic connotation. In the UK, it is a more neutral historical descriptor for pre-20th century soldiers.
Connotations
In US usage, often implies an 'oppressor' or 'enemy' from the founding national narrative. In UK usage, it can evoke nostalgia, tradition, or military heritage.
Frequency
More frequent in American historical discourse than in contemporary British English.
Grammar
How to Use “redcoat” in a Sentence
The [noun/place] was occupied by redcoats.The redcoats [verb, e.g., marched, fired, surrendered].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “redcoat” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The redcoat era
- a redcoat regiment
American English
- Redcoat forces
- a redcoat army
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical, military, and cultural studies texts discussing the 18th-19th centuries.
Everyday
Rare, except in specific historical discussion or tourism (e.g., visiting Williamsburg).
Technical
Used in historical reenactment communities and in some historical wargaming.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “redcoat”
- Using it to refer to modern British soldiers (e.g., 'The redcoats served in Afghanistan').
- Using it as a generic term for any soldier in a red uniform from any country.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The term is strictly historical, referring to soldiers from roughly the 17th to the late 19th centuries. Modern British soldiers wear camouflage, not red coats.
It can be, particularly in American historical context where synonyms like 'lobsterback' were openly derogatory. In modern usage, it is generally a neutral historical descriptor, though its connotations depend on the speaker's perspective.
No. While the iconic infantry uniform was red, other units like cavalry, artillery, and rifle regiments often wore different colours (e.g., green, blue). 'Redcoat' became a general term for the British infantry.
Theories include: red dye was relatively cheap and colour-fast; it helped distinguish friend from foe in the smoke-filled battlefield; and it was intended to appear intimidating and hide bloodstains.
A historical British soldier, especially from the 18th or 19th century, named for the distinctive bright red uniform.
Redcoat is usually historical, literary in register.
Redcoat: in British English it is pronounced /ˈredkəʊt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈredkoʊt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “as regular as a redcoat's coat (rare)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a RED COAT. British soldiers wore bright red coats, making them highly visible targets—a fact often mentioned in historical accounts.
Conceptual Metaphor
A symbol of imperial authority, oppression (in US context), or traditional martial order (in UK context).
Practice
Quiz
In which conflict is the term 'redcoat' most iconically used?