sudser: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
lowinformal, dated
Quick answer
What does “sudser” mean?
A person who works in a place where soapy substances are used, especially in laundry.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who works in a place where soapy substances are used, especially in laundry; a soap opera.
A genericized brand name for a heavy-duty soap detergent; a highly emotional or melodramatic film or television program resembling a soap opera; (archaic/slang) a drunkard.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In both varieties, 'sudser' is a dated/informal term. The 'soap opera' meaning is understood in both, but 'soap' or 'soapie' (Aus/NZ) is far more common. The occupational sense is equally obsolete.
Connotations
The term carries a slightly dismissive, old-fashioned, or jocular tone, suggesting something cheaply melodramatic or overly sudsy.
Frequency
Used very infrequently in both UK and US English. When used, it is often self-consciously informal or ironic.
Grammar
How to Use “sudser” in a Sentence
[determiner] + sudser[adjective] + sudserVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sudser” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not applicable; 'sudser' is not a verb.
American English
- Not applicable; 'sudser' is not a verb.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable; 'sudser' is not an adverb.
American English
- Not applicable; 'sudser' is not an adverb.
adjective
British English
- Not applicable; 'sudser' is not an adjective.
American English
- Not applicable; 'sudser' is not an adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Not used except in media studies discussing genre history, often in quotes.
Everyday
Rare, jocular term for a soap opera. 'My gran loves watching those old sudsers.'
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sudser”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sudser”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sudser”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Assuming it's a common, current word.
- Misspelling as 'sudzer.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency, informal, and somewhat dated term.
Yes, but this is a rare, genericized use of the brand name 'Sudsy.' 'Detergent' or 'soap' is far more common.
No significant difference; it is equally rare and informal in both varieties.
No. Use the standard term 'soap opera' or 'melodrama' for clarity and formality.
A person who works in a place where soapy substances are used, especially in laundry.
Sudser is usually informal, dated in register.
Sudser: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsʌdzə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsʌdzər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this low-frequency term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SUDSer = SOAP opera (think of lots of soap SUDS in a washing machine, and overly emotional stories).
Conceptual Metaphor
EMOTIONAL INTENSITY IS SOAP SUDS (overflowing, bubbly, potentially messy).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common modern meaning of 'sudser'?