tux
C1Informal
Definition
Meaning
A man's dinner jacket or suit, typically black, worn for formal evening events.
Informal term for the full formal evening attire for men, comprising a black or white jacket with satin lapels, matching trousers, and often a bow tie. By extension, it can refer to any very formal, elegant men's wear.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
"Tux" is a clipped form of "tuxedo" and is largely synonymous. It is predominantly used in North American English. It carries connotations of sophistication, special occasions, and traditional formal dress codes.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In American English, "tux" is the common informal term for formal evening wear. In British English, the equivalent garment is more formally called a "dinner jacket" or "DJ," and "tuxedo" or "tux" is understood but considered an Americanism.
Connotations
In the US, "tux" is a neutral, casual term. In the UK, using "tux" can sound American-influenced and slightly less formal than "dinner jacket."
Frequency
"Tux" is significantly more frequent in American English. In British English, "dinner jacket" is the standard term in both formal and informal contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
rent + a + tuxwear + a + tuxbe dressed in + a + tuxVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “black-tie event/affair (an event requiring a tux)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in event planning or hospitality (e.g., 'The gala is black-tie, so you'll need a tux.').
Academic
Very rare, except in historical or cultural studies of fashion.
Everyday
Common when discussing weddings, proms, formal dances, or award ceremonies.
Technical
Used in the fashion and tailoring industries.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
American English
- Do I need to tux up for the wedding? (informal, rare)
adjective
American English
- He's in a tuxedo shirt.
- It's a tux rental shop.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He looks very smart in his black tux.
- For the school prom, all the boys rented matching tuxes.
- Despite the invitation stating 'black tie optional,' he decided to play it safe and wear a tux.
- The actor subverted expectations by pairing a classic tuxedo jacket with distressed jeans on the red carpet.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'tux' as a **tux**edo that's been cut short for convenience, just like the jacket itself is a shorter version of a tailcoat.
Conceptual Metaphor
FORMALITY IS ELEVATION ("He looked elevated in his tux"), UNIFORMITY IS CONFORMITY ("All the men were in identical tuxes").
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating it as simply 'костюм' (suit), which is too generic. The closer equivalent is 'смокинг' (smoking).
- Do not confuse with 'фрак' (tailcoat), which has tails. A tuxedo/dinner jacket does not.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'tux' to refer to any suit. Incorrect: *'He wore a grey tux to the office.' Correct: 'He wore a grey suit.'
- Using 'tux' in very formal British writing where 'dinner jacket' is expected.
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is the term 'tux' most commonly and naturally used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A tux (tuxedo/dinner jacket) is for formal evening events and has satin lapels, buttons, and a stripe down the trousers. A suit is for business or daytime formal events and lacks these satin details.
Traditionally, no. Tuxedos are evening wear. Wearing one during the day is a major fashion faux pas, except in very specific cultural or regional contexts.
No, 'tux' is the informal, clipped form of 'tuxedo.' In formal writing, especially British English, 'dinner jacket' or 'tuxedo' is preferred.
The most traditional and common colour is black. White dinner jackets (also called 'tuxes') are for warm-weather or summer formal events. Other colours like navy are modern variations.