trilby
lowneutral to formal
Definition
Meaning
A soft felt hat with a narrow brim and a dented crown, typically worn by men.
Refers to the style or fashion associated with such hats, or generically to similar hats; sometimes used in literary contexts due to its origin.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Named after the character Trilby O'Ferrall from George du Maurier's 1894 novel 'Trilby'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'trilby' is commonly used for this hat type; in American English, 'fedora' is often used, but a trilby has a narrower brim than a typical fedora.
Connotations
In the UK, associated with classic British style and elegance; in the US, less common and may be seen as niche or vintage.
Frequency
More frequent in British English than in American English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
to wear a trilbyto tip one's trilbyto have a trilby onVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rarely used, except in fashion retail or marketing contexts.
Academic
Appears in literary studies, fashion history, or cultural discussions.
Everyday
Used in fashion descriptions or when discussing attire.
Technical
In hat-making, fashion design, or textile industries.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He bought a new trilby.
- My uncle always wears a trilby to church.
- The trilby became fashionable in Britain after World War I.
- In modern fashion circles, the trilby is often reinterpreted with contemporary materials.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Remember the novel 'Trilby' to recall that this hat is named after its heroine.
Conceptual Metaphor
Trilby as a metaphor for vintage elegance or literary nostalgia.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- May be transliterated as 'трилби', but not a common word; could be confused with unrelated terms due to sound similarity.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing trilby with fedora (trilby has a narrower brim)
- Misspelling as 'trilbie' or 'trilly'.
Practice
Quiz
What is a trilby primarily?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It comes from the name of the heroine Trilby O'Ferrall in George du Maurier's 1894 novel 'Trilby'.
A trilby has a narrower brim and a more sharply dented crown compared to a fedora, which typically has a wider brim.
It is more commonly used and recognized in British English; in American English, 'fedora' is often preferred for similar hats.
Yes, trilbies are unisex and have been worn by both men and women, especially in fashion trends.