Definition
1. a short coat with a hood (the part that covers your head)
2. someone who is very interested in something that most people think is boring or not fashionable
Origin and usage
Anorak is a word that is derived from the Greenland Eskimo word ‘anoraq’, referring to a waterproof jacket with a piece to cover the head typically worn by native peoples in cold climates. In the 1930s, this kind of coat became popular in Western culture and the word anorak was incorporated into English.
Examples
The word anorak usually refers to a short, waterproof coat with a small zipped opening and a hood (a piece to cover the head). Some anoraks also have strings at the waist and sleeve cuffs.
This style of garment was first worn by Eskimos, Inuit and other native peoples living in cold Arctic climates. Traditional anorak coats were made from animal hide and treated with fish oil to make them waterproof. For warmth, native people often lined anoraks with fur.
Today, anoraks are popular with people who enjoy hiking, biking, trail running and other outdoor activities. Because an anorak resists water and wind, it is an ideal accessory for those who spend time out of doors. The hood provides extra protection against the weather, and the lightweight material most anoraks are made of makes them easy to pack and transport. Many anoraks have large front pockets, too, which are ideal for storing small essentials like keys, phone, insect spray, sunscreen or a snack.
Quotations
“If I was to meet my eight-year-old self, I would say, ‘Don’t listen to what they say about you. Wear your anorak with pride!'”
(Peter Capaldi)
“While we’re filming ‘Bake Off’, I can get really cold, so I’m often holding a hot-water bottle or layered up under an anorak and a warm hat.”
(Mary Berry)
View the full definition in the Macmillan Dictionary.
