sharpie: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal
Quick answer
What does “sharpie” mean?
A permanent marker pen with a fine point.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A permanent marker pen with a fine point.
A shrewd, knowledgeable person, especially one who is skilled in a particular area (often business or sports); a type of sailing dinghy; a type of fishing hook.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The pen brand 'Sharpie' is American; in the UK, 'permanent marker' or specific brands like 'Edding' are more common generic terms. The 'shrewd person' sense is understood but less frequent in the UK.
Connotations
In the US, 'sharpie' (person) can have a slightly negative connotation of a slick operator. In the UK, it's more neutral, simply meaning a very clever person.
Frequency
The pen sense is significantly more frequent in American English. The 'shrewd person' sense is of low frequency in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “sharpie” in a Sentence
[det] sharpiea sharpie of [noun phrase] (e.g., a sharpie of a trader)use a sharpie [to-v]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sharpie” in a Sentence
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.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Informal: 'He's a real sharpie when it comes to negotiations.'
Academic
Rare. Might appear in design or art contexts referring to the tool.
Everyday
Dominant: 'Can you pass me that black Sharpie?'
Technical
Maritime: 'They race in International Sharpies.' Angling: 'Tie the fly on a size 12 sharpie hook.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sharpie”
- Using 'sharpie' for any marker (it's a specific brand/tool). Overusing the 'person' sense, which is niche. Spelling: 'sharpee', 'sharphy'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
When referring specifically to the brand of marker, yes ('a Sharpie'). When used generically for a shrewd person or the sailing dinghy, it is lowercase ('a sharpie').
Yes, but it often carries a hint of admiration mixed with wariness. 'He's a sharpie' means he's clever, but you might not fully trust him.
Overwhelmingly, it refers to a type of permanent marker pen, especially in American English.
No, there is no standard verb derived from 'sharpie'. You 'write with a sharpie' or 'sharpie something' is informal and non-standard.
A permanent marker pen with a fine point.
Sharpie is usually informal in register.
Sharpie: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʃɑːpi/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈʃɑːrpi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(as) sharp as a sharpie (play on 'sharp as a tack')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SHARP point on a pen, or a SHARP-minded person.
Conceptual Metaphor
SHARPNESS IS INTELLIGENCE/PRECISION (for the person sense); A TOOL IS A BRAND (for the pen sense - metonymy).
Practice
Quiz
In a business context, calling someone 'a bit of a sharpie' primarily suggests they are: