Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “sneakers” in British English. Whether you’re planning a trip to the United Kingdom, have British friends, or simply want to expand your knowledge of British English vocabulary, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll cover both formal and informal ways to refer to sneakers in British English, and we’ll provide tips, examples, and regional variations where necessary.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Sneakers
When it comes to formal contexts, such as business meetings or interviews, it’s important to use more standard and less colloquial terms. Below are a few formal ways to refer to sneakers:
- Athletic Shoes: This term is widely understood in the UK and is commonly used in formal settings.
- Sports Shoes: Similarly, “sports shoes” is a neutral term that denotes footwear designed for physical activities, including sneakers.
- Trainers: While “trainers” is more commonly used in casual conversations, it can still be used formally to refer to sneakers.
For example, in a formal setting, you could say:
John: “I really like your athletic shoes. Where did you get them?” Sarah: “Thank you! I bought these trainers from a local store.”
Informal Ways to Say Sneakers
When it comes to casual conversations or everyday situations, there are numerous informal terms for sneakers used in British English. Below are some popular ones:
- Trainers: As mentioned earlier, “trainers” is the most common and widely used term for sneakers in British English, especially in informal settings.
- Kicks: This term, borrowed from American English, has gained popularity in recent years and is commonly used among sneaker enthusiasts.
- Pumps: In certain regions of the UK, particularly in Scotland and northern England, “pumps” is a common term for sneakers.
- Runners: Although more specific to sneakers used for running, “runners” is also used informally as a general term for sports shoes.
- Plimsolls: While originally referring to a type of canvas shoe, “plimsolls” is sometimes used interchangeably with sneakers in British English, particularly in school contexts.
For example, in an informal conversation, you might hear:
Amy: “I love your kicks! They look so stylish.” Mark: “Thanks! I bought these trainers online.”
Regional Variations
English dialects can vary across regions, and the same applies to the vocabulary used for sneakers. Below are some regional variations commonly found in different parts of the UK:
Scotland
In Scotland, you may come across the following terms:
- Boggers
- Sannies
- Joggers
For example:
Jamie: “Nice boggers you’re wearing there!” Scott: “Thanks! These sannies are really comfortable.”
Northern England
In northern England, especially in areas like Newcastle and Liverpool, you may hear the following terms:
- Pumps
- Trabs
- Plimsoles
For example:
Laura: “Are those new plimsolls? They look great!” Paul: “Yeah, I got these trabs last week. They’re really comfy.”
Conclusion
Now that you’ve gone through our comprehensive guide, you’re equipped to confidently refer to sneakers in British English, both formally and informally. Remember, in formal settings, terms such as “athletic shoes,” “sports shoes,” or “trainers” are appropriate, whereas in informal conversations, “trainers,” “kicks,” “pumps,” “runners,” or “plimsolls” will serve you well. Regional variations, such as “boggers,” “sannies,” “joggers,” “trabs,” or “plimsolls,” are specific to certain areas in Scotland and northern England.
Now, go ahead and rock your sneakers with your newfound British English vocabulary!
