toggery: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low/ObsoleteArchaic, Informal, Humorous
Quick answer
What does “toggery” mean?
Clothes or clothing collectively.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Clothes or clothing collectively; attire or garments.
A collection of garments; one's outfit or wardrobe. Historically, sometimes used specifically for rustic or coarse clothing. Can imply a distinctive or characteristic set of clothes.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Equally rare and obsolete in both dialects. No significant regional variation.
Connotations
May carry a slightly old-fashioned, quaint, or humorous connotation if used at all.
Frequency
Extremely low in both. Likely only encountered in historical texts or as a deliberate archaism.
Grammar
How to Use “toggery” in a Sentence
[possessive] + toggery (e.g., his toggery)ADJ + toggery (e.g., shabby toggery)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical or linguistic studies of obsolete terms.
Everyday
Virtually never used. If used, it would be as a humorous or affected archaism.
Technical
Not used in any modern technical field.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “toggery”
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'two toggeries').
- Using it in modern, serious contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an archaic and very low-frequency word. It is not used in modern standard English.
No, it is a collective noun (like 'furniture' or 'luggage') and is not typically pluralised.
Primarily for passive recognition when reading older texts. It is not recommended for active use.
No, there is no standard verb 'to togger' in modern English. The noun 'toggery' is derived from the unrelated word 'tog' (slang for clothes).
Clothes or clothing collectively.
Toggery is usually archaic, informal, humorous in register.
Toggery: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtɒɡ.ər.i/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtɑː.ɡɚ.i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “All his worldly goods and toggery.”
- “Out of one's best toggery.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a TOGGLE switch on a coat. TOGGERY is the collection of coats and other garments you 'switch' into.
Conceptual Metaphor
CLOTHING IS A COLLECTION/CONTAINER (as in 'a wardrobe').
Practice
Quiz
In which context might the word 'toggery' be most appropriately used today?