sou'wester: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Nautical, historical, literary; rare in general everyday use.
Quick answer
What does “sou'wester” mean?
A type of waterproof hat with a broad brim at the back, designed to protect the neck in stormy weather, particularly at sea.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of waterproof hat with a broad brim at the back, designed to protect the neck in stormy weather, particularly at sea.
1. The hat described above. 2. A waterproof coat, typically of oilskin, worn by sailors and fishermen. 3. A strong wind or storm blowing from the southwest.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both dialects understand the term, but it is more likely to be encountered in British English due to stronger historical nautical traditions. The American spelling may drop the apostrophe (southwester) for the wind sense.
Connotations
Connotes traditional seafaring, fishermen, and stormy weather. It has a slightly old-fashioned, evocative feel.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both dialects. More likely found in historical novels, maritime museums, or specialized contexts than in contemporary speech.
Grammar
How to Use “sou'wester” in a Sentence
wear + [sou'wester]be clad in + [a sou'wester]a + [adjective] + sou'westerVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Might appear in historical or maritime studies texts.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might be used descriptively or humorously.
Technical
Used in maritime contexts, sailing manuals, or heritage clothing descriptions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sou'wester”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sou'wester”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sou'wester”
- Misspelling as 'southwester' for the garment (though acceptable for the wind).
- Using it to refer to any raincoat.
- Pronouncing it as /suːˈwɛstə/ (like 'soup').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily, but it can also refer to a full-length waterproof coat, especially in historical contexts, and archaically to a southwest wind.
It's pronounced like 'sow' (as in female pig) - 'west' - 'er' (/ˌsaʊˈwɛstər/). The 'sou' is not pronounced like 'soup'.
No, it is quite rare and specialized. You'll mostly find it in historical settings, literature, or when discussing traditional maritime clothing.
For the garment, 'sou'wester' is the standard spelling. 'Southwester' (without the apostrophe) is more common for the wind direction. They are often used interchangeably for the hat, but 'sou'wester' is more traditional.
A type of waterproof hat with a broad brim at the back, designed to protect the neck in stormy weather, particularly at sea.
Sou'wester is usually nautical, historical, literary; rare in general everyday use. in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this word.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a sailor facing a storm from the SOUTH-WEST, wearing an ESSENTIAL hat - a SOU'WESTER.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROTECTION IS A SHIELD (the hat shields from the storm).
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'sou'wester' primarily?