salopettes
C1informal, technical (specific contexts)
Definition
Meaning
A piece of clothing consisting of trousers with a high waist and straps that go over the shoulders, worn especially for skiing or outdoor work.
A one-piece or two-piece bib-and-brace style garment, designed to protect the body and provide ample pockets. In fashion, can refer to similar-styled casual wear.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily associated with skiing/snowboarding and sailing. In everyday UK English, can refer to similar dungaree-style garments for children or casual wear. The term is less precise in fashion contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'salopettes' is the standard term for ski/snowboard bib trousers. In American English, 'bib overalls', 'snow pants', or specifically 'ski bibs'/'snowboard bibs' are used.
Connotations
UK: Strongly associated with winter sports; can also have a slightly old-fashioned or practical connotation when used for children's wear. US: The term is rarely used; if understood, it sounds distinctly British or technical.
Frequency
High frequency in UK skiing contexts; very low to zero in general American English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
wear + salopettesbe dressed in + salopettesfasten + salopettestake off + salopettesVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this specific noun]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in retail/outdoor clothing industry.
Academic
Rare, except in design or sports science texts.
Everyday
Common in UK when discussing skiing or children's clothing.
Technical
Standard in skiing/sailing equipment manuals and reviews.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
American English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
adverb
British English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
American English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- [Not applicable as an adjective]
American English
- [Not applicable as an adjective]
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The children wore warm salopettes to play in the snow.
- I need to buy new salopettes before our skiing holiday in France.
- Her salopettes were equipped with reinforced knees and multiple pockets for her tools.
- The ergonomic design of modern salopettes prioritises freedom of movement without compromising thermal insulation.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a SALOPETTE is a garment you 'SAL'ly 'OP' the mountain in, with straps that 'ETTE' (let) you move freely.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROTECTIVE SKIN (garment as a second, fortified skin against the elements).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'комбинезон' (overall/boiler suit) which is more general.
- The Russian borrowing 'салопет' is extremely rare and not standard.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'salopettes' as a singular noun (it is plural in form).
- Pronouncing it /səˈlɒpɪts/ (incorrect).
- Using it in US contexts where it is unfamiliar.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'salopettes' MOST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a plural noun (like 'trousers' or 'jeans'). We say 'these salopettes are' not 'this salopettes is'.
It is not standard. You will be better understood if you use 'bib overalls', 'ski bibs', or 'snow pants' depending on the context.
It comes from French, derived from 'salopette', meaning bib overalls or dungarees.
Primarily, but they are also used for sailing, other outdoor work, and as a style of children's or casual wear.