Brit: meaning, definitions and examples

🇬🇧
Add to dictionary

Brit

 

[ brɪt ]

Noun / Adjective
Context #1 | Noun

nationality, person

A Brit is a British person, particularly someone from England, often used informally. The term encapsulates the identity of people from the United Kingdom as a whole, although it is most frequently associated with English nationals.

Synonyms

British, Englishman, Englishwoman, UK citizen

Examples of usage

  • She's a Brit who loves to travel.
  • There were many Brits on holiday in Spain.
  • Being a Brit, he enjoys tea every afternoon.
  • The event attracted a lot of Brits.
Context #2 | Adjective

nationality, culture

The term Brit can also describe things related to Britain, such as customs, traditions, or cultural aspects. It reflects the heritage and lifestyle associated with being from the UK.

Synonyms

British, UK

Examples of usage

  • They discussed Brit culture during the seminar.
  • The restaurant serves Brit cuisine.
  • She wore a Brit flag dress.
  • Brit humor can be quite dry.

Word origin

The term 'Brit' is an informal abbreviation of 'British', which derived from 'Briton', an ethnic designation referring to the people of Britain. The roots of the word can be traced back to Latin 'Britannia', which was used by the Romans to describe the island of Great Britain. The term has evolved to reflect the identity of the people living there over centuries. The modern usage of 'Brit' developed in the 20th century, particularly after World War I, where it became more commonly used in both British and international contexts. 'Brit' is often used in a casual or colloquial setting and conveys a sense of pride or affection towards one's nationality.