trouser
B2Formal/Neutral for noun; Humorous/Informal for verb; Attributive for adjective.
Definition
Meaning
An item of clothing covering both legs separately, from the waist to the ankles.
To acquire or take, especially in a questionable manner (verb). Of, pertaining to, or relating to trousers (adjective).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a noun, 'trouser' is non-standard in modern English; the singular form is almost always 'trouser leg' or 'trouser pocket'. The normal noun is the plural 'trousers'. The verb and adjective forms are derived from the noun concept.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
As a noun, BrE commonly uses 'trousers' for formal/smart wear; 'pants' for informal. AmE uses 'pants' for the garment; 'trousers' is a formal/sophisticated synonym. The verb 'to trouser' (to take money) is more common in BrE.
Connotations
In BrE, 'trousers' is standard and neutral. In AmE, 'trousers' can sound slightly old-fashioned or British. The verb carries a cheeky, informal connotation.
Frequency
The noun 'trousers' is high frequency in BrE, medium in AmE. The singular attributive use ('trouser press') is equal. The verb is low frequency in both, but recognized.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
to trouser [money/profits] (V + NP)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to wear the trousers (to be the dominant partner)”
- “to catch someone with their trousers down (to surprise someone in an unprepared state)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Smart trousers are part of a formal dress code.
Academic
Archaeological finds include fragments of woollen trousers.
Everyday
I need to buy a new pair of trousers for work.
Technical
The pattern requires 1.5 metres of trouser fabric.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He managed to trouser the entire proceeds from the sale.
- The corrupt official was found to have trousered thousands in bribes.
American English
- The comedian joked about trousering the tips from the jar.
- (Less common, but understood) He trousered the winnings and left quietly.
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial form)
American English
- (No standard adverbial form)
adjective
British English
- She had a trouser press in her hotel room.
- The uniform includes a trouser suit for women.
American English
- He purchased a vintage trouser press at an auction.
- The dress code allows for trouser suits.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He is wearing blue trousers.
- My trousers are too long.
- I need to buy a new pair of trousers for the interview.
- There's a hole in my trouser pocket.
- She prefers wearing a trouser suit to work as it's more practical.
- The tailor adjusted the trouser leg to the correct length.
- Accused of embezzlement, he was alleged to have trousered over £50,000 in client funds.
- The debate over whether women could wear trousers in the office seems archaic now.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'TROUSERS cover TWO legs.' The singular 'trouser' usually needs another word attached (leg, pocket).
Conceptual Metaphor
TROUSERS ARE A CONTAINER (pockets), TROUSERS ARE A SYMBOL OF AUTHORITY (to wear the trousers), ACQUIRING MONEY IS PUTTING IT IN YOUR TROUSERS (to trouser cash).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate 'trousers' as 'трусы' (underpants). The correct translation is 'брюки'. The singular form 'trouser' is almost never used alone like 'брюк'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'a trouser' instead of 'a pair of trousers' or 'some trousers'. Overusing the singular form as a standalone noun.
- Confusing 'pants' (BrE = underwear, AmE = trousers).
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is the verb 'to trouser' (meaning to take money) most commonly used and understood?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is not standard. The item is inherently plural: 'a pair of trousers', 'some trousers'. 'Trouser' is used alone only as a verb or in compounds like 'trouser leg'.
In BrE, 'trousers' is the general term; 'pants' means underwear. In AmE, 'pants' is the general term; 'trousers' is more formal. 'Slacks' refers to casual, non-jeans trousers for both genders.
Yes, informally, especially in BrE. It means 'to pocket' or 'to take (money)', often with a hint of slyness or illegitimacy (e.g., 'He trousered the cash').
It belongs to a class of nouns (pluralia tantum) for items consisting of two symmetrical parts, like 'scissors', 'glasses', 'jeans'. Historically, each leg was seen as separate.