rimmer: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowPredominantly technical/slang. The technical sense is neutral. The slang sense is highly informal/vulgar.
Quick answer
What does “rimmer” mean?
A tool or person that places or forms a rim on something.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A tool or person that places or forms a rim on something.
1) A tool for applying a rim, especially a glass rimming tray for adding salt or sugar to cocktail glasses. 2) A machine or attachment that forms a rim on a product. 3) (slang, vulgar) A person who performs anilingus (highly informal, from 'rim job').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The technical sense is understood in both. The slang sense is equally vulgar in both varieties.
Connotations
Technical: neutral. Slang: strong negative/vulgar connotation.
Frequency
Both senses are low-frequency. The slang sense is likely more commonly encountered in informal, adult contexts than the technical tool sense.
Grammar
How to Use “rimmer” in a Sentence
Use [rimmer] to apply [salt/sugar] to the glass.The [machine/attachment] acts as a rimmer.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “rimmer” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He rimmed the glass carefully before adding the garnish.
- The machine is designed to rim the ceramic plates.
American English
- She rimmed the margarita glass with coarse salt.
- The new attachment can rim the plastic tubs as they come off the line.
adverb
British English
- [No adverbial form].
American English
- [No adverbial form].
adjective
British English
- [No standard adjectival use. 'Rimming' is the participle adjective: 'a rimming tray'].
American English
- [No standard adjectival use. 'Rimming' is the participle adjective: 'the rimming process'].
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Potentially in manufacturing or bar supply contexts.
Academic
Extremely rare.
Everyday
Very rare except in specific hobbies (mixology) or vulgar slang.
Technical
Used in manufacturing, automotive (wheel fitting), or culinary/beverage tool contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “rimmer”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “rimmer”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “rimmer”
- Using the slang sense in formal/inappropriate contexts.
- Confusing it with 'trimmer' (a more common tool).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency word. Its technical use is niche, and its slang use is vulgar and context-specific.
It is strongly discouraged. The technical sense is acceptable only in very specific contexts (e.g., describing a machine part). The slang sense is never appropriate.
Its severe register split. It can mean a harmless kitchen/bar tool or be an extremely offensive slang term. Context is everything, and erring on the side of caution is recommended.
It is the surname of a character (Arnold Rimmer) in the British sci-fi comedy 'Red Dwarf'. The character's name has no relation to either definition of the common noun.
A tool or person that places or forms a rim on something.
Rimmer: in British English it is pronounced /ˈrɪm.ə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈrɪm.ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this word]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Rim + -er (one who does). A 'rimmer' puts a rim ON something.
Conceptual Metaphor
BORDER CREATOR (TOOL IS A CREATOR).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'rimmer' MOST likely to be used in a neutral, technical way?