stripper
C1Informal (for performer sense); Technical/Neutral (for tool sense)
Definition
Meaning
A person who performs striptease, removing clothing in a sexually suggestive manner for entertainment.
A tool, chemical, or device used for removing something (e.g., paint, insulation, bark).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The primary meaning is strongly associated with adult entertainment. The secondary meaning is technical and neutral. Context is crucial for disambiguation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Both use the term for both senses.
Connotations
Identical strong association with adult entertainment as the default meaning.
Frequency
The 'performer' sense is more frequent in general discourse in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[stripper] of [something removed][tool] stripper[chemical] stripperVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Stripper well (oil/gas industry: a well producing a small amount)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in specific industries (e.g., 'paint stripper manufacturer').
Academic
Rare; technical sense possible in chemistry/engineering.
Everyday
Primarily refers to the performer; can cause misunderstanding if context is unclear.
Technical
Common for tools/chemicals (e.g., 'wire stripper', 'paint stripper').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- N/A - 'stripper' is not a verb. The verb is 'strip'.
American English
- N/A - 'stripper' is not a verb. The verb is 'strip'.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A - 'stripper' is not typically used as an adjective. Use 'stripping' (e.g., stripping brush).
American English
- N/A - 'stripper' is not typically used as an adjective. Use 'stripping' (e.g., stripping solvent).
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He used a stripper to remove the old paint.
- The wire stripper is a useful tool.
- The chemical stripper worked quickly on the varnish.
- They hired a stripper for the birthday party.
- As a former stripper, she now advocates for dancers' rights.
- The new eco-friendly paint stripper is less toxic.
- The documentary explored the socioeconomic factors driving individuals into careers as strippers.
- The enzymatic stripper was selected for its precision on the delicate antique finish.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
STRIPper - the '-er' suffix indicates a person or thing that STRIPs something away.
Conceptual Metaphor
REMOVAL IS STRIPPING (applies to both senses: removing clothes or removing a layer).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation to 'стриптизерша' as the primary association; the English word is gender-neutral ('male/female stripper').
- The tool sense has no single direct Russian equivalent; use описательный перевод (e.g., 'средство для снятия краски').
Common Mistakes
- Using 'stripper' in formal contexts without clear technical context.
- Confusing 'stripper' (person/tool) with 'strip' (verb) or 'stripe' (a line).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'stripper' MOST LIKELY to be neutral and technical?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is not inherently rude, but it is informal and carries strong associations with adult entertainment. In technical contexts (tools/chemicals), it is neutral.
Yes, it is gender-neutral. Specify with 'male stripper' or 'female stripper' if needed.
All pole dancers are not strippers, and not all strippers use a pole. 'Stripper' explicitly involves removing clothing. 'Pole dancer' focuses on the acrobatic performance, which may or may not involve stripping.
Always provide clear context. Use specific compounds like 'paint stripper', 'wire stripper', or 'male stripper'. In ambiguous spoken contexts, rephrase (e.g., 'a tool for stripping paint').