saco
C1-C2Informal, British English. Considered a regional/dated term in many contexts.
Definition
Meaning
(Chiefly UK) A soft, lightweight jacket, often padded and for casual wear.
A casual, utilitarian outer garment with a front zipper or buttons. Can also refer to a padded sleeveless jacket (sleeveless saco/body warmer).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
In contemporary British English, 'saco' is largely superseded by terms like 'padded jacket' or specific brand names (e.g., 'gilet'). It retains some usage, particularly in Scotland and Northern England, and may evoke a certain era or style.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
'Saco' is not used in American English. The equivalent item is called a 'puffer jacket', 'padded jacket', 'vest' (if sleeveless), or 'insulated jacket'.
Connotations
In the UK, 'saco' can have working-class or old-fashioned connotations. In the US, the term is unknown.
Frequency
Low frequency in modern UK English; zero frequency in US English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
wear a + [ADJECTIVE] + sacoput on one's sacoVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “N/A”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Used in informal UK contexts to refer to a specific type of casual warm jacket.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts (e.g., outdoor gear). Terms like 'insulative mid-layer' are used.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He wore a warm blue saco.
- I think I left my old saco in the car.
- His quilted saco was perfect for the chilly autumn morning.
- The term 'saco' has largely fallen out of favour, replaced by more specific descriptors like 'gilet' or 'padded jacket'.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think SACk + O: Imagine stuffing a SACK with padding to make a warm jacket, and you get a SACO.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROTECTION IS A CONTAINER (the jacket contains warmth).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with Russian 'сако' (a type of jacket). This is a direct loan, but the English 'saco' is obscure and not the primary term.
- The more common English translations for куртка would be 'jacket', 'coat', or specific types like 'anorak', 'blazer'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'saco' in American English.
- Assuming 'saco' is the standard modern term for any casual jacket in British English.
- Misspelling as 'sacko'.
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is the word 'saco' primarily used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency, regionally marked term in British English and is not used in American English.
Americans would call a similar item a 'puffer jacket', 'padded jacket', or 'vest' if it is sleeveless.
No. 'Saco' refers specifically to a casual, often padded or quilted, jacket. A formal jacket is a 'blazer' or 'sports jacket'.
Dictionaries aim for descriptive coverage. 'Saco' is recorded due to its historical and regional usage in parts of the UK, and its presence alerts learners that it is not the standard term.