Anorak can have two main meanings depending on the context:
- Clothing: A waterproof, insulated jacket with a hood. In German contexts, “Anorak” typically refers to this windproof, often pullover-style outer layer that lacks a full-length front zipper in its classic form, though modern versions may include zippers. This sense is common in fashion and outdoor terminology.
- Slang (British English): A person who is overly obsessive about a niche interest or hobby, sometimes pejoratively called an “anorak.” This usage is common in informal speech and media discussions.
Notes on etymology:
- The clothing sense derives from the Greenlandic term annoraaq, meaning “something against the wind,” which reflects its original use by Inuit peoples. The word was adopted into several European languages with related meanings.
If you’d like, I can tailor the explanation to a particular context (e.g., travel, fashion shopping, or language learning) and provide examples in German and English.
