trews: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal, historical, regional
Quick answer
What does “trews” mean?
A type of close-fitting tartan trousers.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of close-fitting tartan trousers.
Historically, a garment worn by Celtic peoples, now often part of Scottish military or traditional Highland dress. Sometimes used more loosely for any tight-fitting trousers.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'trews' is a recognized term, especially in Scottish and military contexts. In American English, it is a highly obscure word, understood mainly by those with interest in Scottish culture.
Connotations
UK: Traditional, military, Scottish heritage. US: Archaic, foreign, costume-related.
Frequency
Very low frequency globally. More likely encountered in UK than US, but even in UK it is a specialized term.
Grammar
How to Use “trews” in a Sentence
wear + trewsbe dressed in + trewsa pair of + trewsVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical, textile, or cultural studies discussing Scottish dress.
Everyday
Extremely rare outside specific Scottish or military circles.
Technical
Used in tailoring, military uniform design, and historical reenactment contexts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “trews”
- Using 'trew' singularly.
- Using it as a general synonym for 'jeans' or 'casual trousers'.
- Mispronouncing as /traʊz/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a plurale tantum noun, meaning it is grammatically plural but refers to a single item of clothing (like 'trousers' or 'scissors').
Historically associated with male military dress, but in modern Highland dress, women can also wear trews as part of formal or military attire.
Both are traditional Scottish garments. A kilt is a skirt-like, unbifurcated garment, while trews are tight-fitting, tartan trousers.
At formal Scottish events (ceilidhs, weddings), in military parades (especially Scottish regiments), or in historical films and reenactments.
A type of close-fitting tartan trousers.
Trews is usually formal, historical, regional in register.
Trews: in British English it is pronounced /truːz/, and in American English it is pronounced /truːz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'TREWS' sounds like 'TRUE Scots' wear them.
Conceptual Metaphor
CLOTHING AS IDENTITY (e.g., 'he wore his trews like a badge of heritage').
Practice
Quiz
What is the most accurate description of 'trews'?