anorak
|an/o/rak|
/ˈæn.ə.ræk/
hooded windproof coat; obsessive enthusiast
Etymology
'anorak' originates from Greenlandic, specifically the word 'anoraq', where it meant 'a hooded, windproof coat'.
'anorak' was borrowed into English in the early 20th century (via contact with Arctic explorers and Scandinavian/Danish intermediaries) as the name for a hooded parka; in late 20th-century British English the word developed a figurative sense meaning 'an obsessive, often socially awkward enthusiast'.
Initially it meant 'hooded, windproof coat'; over time it also gained the figurative meaning 'obsessive enthusiast' in British English.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a hooded, typically waterproof or windproof jacket (similar to a parka).
She zipped up her anorak before going out into the rain.
Synonyms
Noun 2
british informal: a person who has an obsessive interest in niche subjects, especially technical or boring details (often mildly derogatory; similar to 'nerd' or 'geek').
He's a real anorak when it comes to train timetables.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/08/18 22:06