VocabDictionary

larney

/ˈlɑːrni/advanced Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.adjective

Posh, fancy, stylish, or characteristic of someone who considers themselves to be of a higher social class.

Example Sentences:
  • He showed up to the township party in a very larney suit that looked out of place.
  • Don't get too larney with me just because you bought a new car.
2.noun

A person who is wealthy, stylish, or holds a position of authority; a 'boss' or 'toff'.

Example Sentences:
  • The larney from the city came down to inspect the construction site.
  • He thinks he's a big larney, but he's just as broke as the rest of us.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “larney”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Originating in South African English, the term is derived from the Afrikaans word 'laanie', which itself is believed to have roots in the Yiddish word 'baal-habait' (meaning 'master of the house' or 'landlord'). It evolved in South African township slang to describe someone who acts like a person of high social status or wealth.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of a 'larney' person as someone who acts like they are 'learning' to be fancy or posh.

Common Collocations & Phrases
Rhyming Words

Frequently Asked Questions About “larney

1. What is the meaning of “larney” in English?

In English, larney (adjective) is defined as: “Posh, fancy, stylish, or characteristic of someone who considers themselves to be of a higher social class.”.

2. How do you use “larney” in a sentence?

He showed up to the township party in a very larney suit that looked out of place.

3. What are English synonyms of “larney”?

Common synonyms include:posh,fancy,swanky,uppity,toff

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “larney”?

Originating in South African English, the term is derived from the Afrikaans word 'laanie', which itself is believed to have roots in the Yiddish word 'baal-habait' (meaning 'master of the house' or 'landlord'). It evolved in South African township slang to describe someone who acts like a person of high social status or wealth.