anorak
anorak Lexical Profile
anorak Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A waterproof, hooded jacket or windbreaker, typically pulled on over the head and fastened with drawstrings at the waist and cuffs to protect against cold and wet weather.
"She zipped up her nylon anorak as the chilly mountain rain began to fall."
British A socially awkward or studious person who has an obsessive, overly detailed interest in a niche or unfashionable hobby, such as trainspotting.
"Only a true aviation anorak could identify the exact model of that vintage aircraft from the sound of its engine alone."
Word Nuance & Usage
In British English, 'anorak' is also used colloquially and often playfully or pejoratively to describe someone with an obsessive interest in a niche hobby, similar to 'nerd' or 'geek'.
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the early 20th century from Greenlandic Inuit 'annoraaq', referring to a traditional hooded garment made from sealskin or animal gut to protect kayakers from freezing spray.