stoner: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, colloquial. Potentially pejorative or humorous depending on context.
Quick answer
What does “stoner” mean?
A person who regularly uses cannabis.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who regularly uses cannabis.
A person with a lifestyle, attitude, or appearance stereotypically associated with frequent cannabis use, often implying a laid-back, non-conformist, or countercultural persona. Can also refer to a fan of stoner rock/metal music.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is understood and used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly stronger association with 1960s/70s counterculture in American usage. In the UK, it may be perceived as slightly more modern slang.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “stoner” in a Sentence
He is/was a stoner.They hang out with a bunch of stoners.She has a stoner boyfriend.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “stoner” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He has that classic stoner laugh.
- It's a bit of a stoner flat, to be honest.
American English
- That's a real stoner car with all those bumper stickers.
- They have a stoner vibe about them.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Highly inappropriate and unprofessional.
Academic
Only in sociological or cultural studies discussing drug use subcultures.
Everyday
Common in informal conversation among adults, but can be offensive. Use with caution.
Technical
Not used in legal or medical contexts, which prefer terms like 'cannabis-dependent individual'.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stoner”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Confusing it with 'stoned' (the state). Example mistake: 'He is very stoner' instead of 'He is very stoned' or 'He is a stoner'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be, depending on context and tone. It is informal and carries stereotypes. It's best to use more neutral terms like 'cannabis user' if you are unsure.
Primarily, no. It specifically refers to cannabis use. For other drugs, terms like 'junkie' (heroin) or 'tweaker' (meth) are used, but these are highly pejorative.
No. The related verb is 'to stone' or 'to get stoned'. 'Stoner' is exclusively a noun (and a derived adjective).
A subgenre of rock music characterized by slow tempos, heavy bass, and psychedelic or blues-influenced sounds, associated with cannabis culture. Bands like Kyuss and Sleep are examples.
A person who regularly uses cannabis.
Stoner is usually informal, colloquial. potentially pejorative or humorous depending on context. in register.
Stoner: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstəʊnə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstoʊnər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Stoner logic”
- “A stoner's paradise”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of someone who gets STONED regularly -> STONER.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE USER IS THE SUBSTANCE (metonymy).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'stoner' MOST appropriate?