sprog: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Informal, slang
Quick answer
What does “sprog” mean?
A very young child.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A very young child; an infant or toddler.
Informal term for a child, especially one's own. In military slang (British, dated), can also mean a new recruit or trainee.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Primarily a British English term. American English speakers would likely be familiar with it only through exposure to British media. The word is virtually absent in native American usage.
Connotations
In British English, carries connotations of affection, informality, and sometimes slight exasperation (in a parental context).
Frequency
Low-to-medium frequency in informal British speech/writing. Extremely low frequency in American English.
Grammar
How to Use “sprog” in a Sentence
[have/be/get] a sproglook after the sprog[my/your] sprogVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sprog” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We're thinking about sprogging in a couple of years.
- She's just sprogged – her daughter was born last week.
American English
- *Extremely rare. A British speaker might use it in the US: 'Looks like they've sprogged again!'
adverb
British English
- *Not used.
American English
- *Not used.
adjective
British English
- We need more sprog-friendly restaurants in town.
- It's a great sprog film for a rainy afternoon.
American English
- *Not used.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used. Highly inappropriate.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Used informally among friends and family, especially by parents referring to their children.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sprog”
- Using it in formal contexts.
- Using it in American English expecting widespread understanding.
- Spelling as 'sprog' is standard; avoid 'sprogg' or 'sprawg'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's generally affectionate and informal. However, like many informal terms for children, it could be considered disrespectful if used by a stranger or in a dismissive tone.
Yes, informally in British English, 'to sprog' means to have a child or give birth (e.g., 'They've sprogged again'). This usage is very colloquial.
Virtually never. It is a quintessentially British slang term. An American would likely say 'kid' or 'baby' in equivalent informal contexts.
Its origin is uncertain but it emerged in the early 20th century. It was used in Royal Air Force slang during WWII to mean a recruit or trainee, before taking on its current primary meaning of a young child.
A very young child.
Sprog is usually informal, slang in register.
Sprog: in British English it is pronounced /sprɒɡ/, and in American English it is pronounced /sprɑːɡ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “sprog on board (pregnant)”
- “sprog-friendly (suitable for children)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a tiny green FROG – a little creature. Swap the 'F' for an 'SP' and you get a SPROG, a little creature (child).
Conceptual Metaphor
CHILDREN ARE SMALL CREATURES/ANIMALS (cf. 'kid', 'nipper')
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'sprog' be MOST appropriate?