silvertail: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare / Regionally specific (primarily Australian and New Zealand English)Informal, colloquial, often derogatory.
Quick answer
What does “silvertail” mean?
A wealthy, privileged, and often snobbish person.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A wealthy, privileged, and often snobbish person; a member of the social elite, especially one from an established, affluent background.
A person, especially in a political or business context, who is perceived as being part of a wealthy, out-of-touch establishment. Often used pejoratively to imply privilege without merit.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is extremely rare in both British and American English. It is primarily an Australian and New Zealand colloquialism. A closer American equivalent in tone might be 'trust fund baby' or 'old money', while British English might use 'toff' or 'Hooray Henry'.
Connotations
In its primary Australian context, it carries strong connotations of undeserved privilege, snobbery, and being out of touch with ordinary people.
Frequency
Virtually never used in mainstream US or UK media. Its use outside Australia/NZ would likely be a deliberate allusion to Australian culture or politics.
Grammar
How to Use “silvertail” in a Sentence
He is a typical [silvertail].The [silvertails] from the eastern suburbs control the club.They accused the candidate of being a [silvertail].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “silvertail” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He's got that silvertail arrogance about him.
- The party had a very silvertail guest list.
American English
- She dismissed his ideas as silvertail nonsense.
- They live in a silvertail neighborhood.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used pejoratively to describe executives from elite, inherited backgrounds.
Academic
Very rare, except in sociological or cultural studies discussing Australian class structures.
Everyday
Used in Australian/NZ informal speech to criticise perceived elitism or inherited privilege.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “silvertail”
- Using it as a neutral compliment (it is almost always derogatory).
- Using it outside an Australian/NZ context without explanation.
- Confusing it with 'silver-tongued' (eloquent).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is almost always used as a derogatory or critical term to imply someone is privileged, out-of-touch, and possibly snobbish.
Yes, the term is not gender-specific. It can refer to any person perceived as a wealthy, privileged elite.
It originated in Australian English in the late 19th/early 20th century. It is thought to be a humorous or sarcastic variation on 'silvertail' as a type of bird or possibly an ironic reference to 'silver spoon'.
It appears occasionally in Australian and New Zealand newspapers, particularly in opinion columns, political commentary, or sports writing, where class and background are discussed.
A wealthy, privileged, and often snobbish person.
Silvertail is usually informal, colloquial, often derogatory. in register.
Silvertail: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɪlvəteɪl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɪlvərteɪl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “born with a silver tail in one's mouth (a play on 'silver spoon')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a fancy person with a tail made of silver, looking down on everyone. 'Silver' for wealth, 'tail' like the tail of a suit (formal wear) or an animal representing old-fashioned aristocracy.
Conceptual Metaphor
WEALTH/STATUS IS A PHYSICAL APPENDAGE (a silver tail). PRIVILEGE IS INHERITED (like a characteristic you are born with).
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is the term 'silvertail' primarily used?