reefer: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowSlang (for drug meaning); Technical (refrigeration, sailing)
Quick answer
What does “reefer” mean?
A slang term for a marijuana cigarette.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A slang term for a marijuana cigarette.
Refers to 1) a refrigerated truck or container, 2) slang for a marijuana user, 3) a person who reefs (shortens) sails, or a type of jacket. The drug-related meaning is now dominant in everyday speech.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both share slang drug meaning. In transport/logistics, 'reefer' (refrigerated unit) is common in both, but the 'reefer jacket' (thick duffel coat) is a slightly more established historical term in UK usage.
Connotations
Overwhelmingly negative in general contexts due to drug association. Neutral/technical in shipping/logistics contexts.
Frequency
The slang drug term is equally low-frequency in both. The shipping term is low-frequency but industry-specific.
Grammar
How to Use “reefer” in a Sentence
to smoke a [reefer]a [reefer] of marijuanaload/unload the [reefer]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “reefer” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not standard as a verb]
American English
- [Not standard as a verb]
adverb
British English
- [Not standard as an adverb]
American English
- [Not standard as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- [Not standard as an adjective]
American English
- [Not standard as an adjective]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In shipping/logistics: 'The perishables are in the reefer.'
Academic
Rare. Appears in historical/cultural studies on drug use or maritime history.
Everyday
Primarily slang for a marijuana cigarette. Use is informal and can be seen as dated.
Technical
Maritime/transport: a refrigerated container or ship hold.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “reefer”
- Using 'reefer' in formal writing without clarifying the technical meaning.
- Assuming the listener understands the transport meaning in a casual conversation.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, its most common meaning (marijuana cigarette) is slang. Its technical meaning (refrigerated unit) is formal within the transport industry.
Yes, but it's dated/archaic. It can mean a marijuana smoker ('He's a reefer') or a sailor who reefs sails.
Because it has a dominant, informal/drug-related meaning and several technical/historical meanings. Using it incorrectly can cause serious misunderstandings.
Yes, all meanings share the same pronunciation, which adds to the potential for confusion.
A slang term for a marijuana cigarette.
Reefer: in British English it is pronounced /ˈriːfə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈrifər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[none directly for 'reefer', but related idioms use 'joint' or 'weed']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'REEFER' -> REEF + ER. A 'reef' is a ridge (like the rolled paper), and 'ER' makes it a thing. Alternatively, 'REEF' sounds like 'REEFRIGERATED' for the truck.
Conceptual Metaphor
SUBSTANCE FOR OBJECT (Metonymy: the drug (marijuana) gives its name to the container/cigarette).
Practice
Quiz
In casual conversation, if someone mentions 'a reefer', they are most likely referring to: