tog: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (C1/C2 level for measurement sense; informal clothing sense is rare outside specific regions like Australia/New Zealand)Specialist/Technical (measurement sense); Informal/Colloquial (clothing sense, chiefly in Australia/NZ)
Quick answer
What does “tog” mean?
A unit of measurement for the insulating properties of duvets, sleeping bags, and clothing.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A unit of measurement for the insulating properties of duvets, sleeping bags, and clothing.
Informally, clothing or an item of clothing, especially as in the phrase "togs".
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'tog' as a measurement is standard for bedding. In the US, the 'clo' unit is often used in technical contexts, but 'tog' is understood in the bedding industry. The informal 'togs' for clothing is virtually unknown in American English.
Connotations
In the UK, 'tog' is neutral and technical for bedding. In Australia/NZ, 'togs' for swimwear is casual and common.
Frequency
The measurement 'tog' is low-frequency everywhere but recognized in contexts discussing bedding. The clothing sense has high frequency in Australian and New Zealand English.
Grammar
How to Use “tog” in a Sentence
The duvet HAS a [number] tog rating.This fabric MEASURES [number] togs.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tog” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He togged himself out in his best suit for the interview. (archaic/rare)
American English
- She togged up in hiking gear for the trip. (archaic/rare)
adjective
British English
- They bought a 10.5 tog duvet for the guest room.
American English
- The sleeping bag has a 12 tog equivalent rating.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in retail for bedding specifications.
Academic
Used in textile science and thermal engineering.
Everyday
Used when buying duvets or discussing bedding warmth.
Technical
Precise measurement in textile technology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “tog”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “tog”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tog”
- Using 'tog' as a verb (to tog) is rare and archaic. Using 'togs' as a singular noun (e.g., 'a tog') for clothing is incorrect.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily, yes, but it can technically apply to any thermal insulation for bedding or clothing, like sleeping bags or baby sleep sacks.
It would be understood but is considered old-fashioned or dialectal. The more common UK phrase is 'togged up' meaning dressed.
In the UK, a winter duvet is typically between 10.5 and 13.5 tog.
It originates from the 1940s, likely from the informal word 'togs' for clothes, reflecting the idea of a 'layer' of insulation.
A unit of measurement for the insulating properties of duvets, sleeping bags, and clothing.
Tog is usually specialist/technical (measurement sense); informal/colloquial (clothing sense, chiefly in australia/nz) in register.
Tog: in British English it is pronounced /tɒɡ/, and in American English it is pronounced /tɑːɡ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “togged up/out (dressed, especially in specific clothing)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of being 'tog'-ether in a warm duvet. 'Tog' sounds like 'snug', which is how a high-tog duvet makes you feel.
Conceptual Metaphor
WARMTH IS A LAYER (tog measures the thickness/effectiveness of that layer).
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is 'togs' commonly used to mean 'swimwear'?