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Loukia Posted 17 years ago
Grammar

Jumper-pullover-sweater

I was wondering what's the difference between a jumper, a pullover and a sweater, if there's any.
Thanks!
  

Top answer

Hi, Welcome to the Forum. One big difference is that the first two terms are not at all common in N. America.

  • Hi, Welcome to the Forum.
  • One big difference is that the first two terms are not at all common in N.
  • America.
  • Best wishes, Clive
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5 Answers
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Hi,
Welcome to the Forum.

One big difference is that the first two terms are not at all common in N. America.

Best wishes, Clive
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In addition to what Clive has said, if you told me (I speak American English) that Sally was wearing a jumper, I would understand that Sally was wearing a sort of sleeveless dress.
Something like
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'Jumper' is one of those words (compare: braces, vest, tap) that have slightly different meanings in AmEng and BrEng.

All three are acceptable (and common) in BrEng, and most people would say "Put on a jumper" meaning "Put on a long-sleeved woollen or cotton top". Pullover is less common these days (as is its abbreviation, "pully"), and to me sounds more Northern. Sweater sounds
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Regarding the examples Yankee gave of the American use of "jumper" -- I would only call a sleeveless dress a jumper if it was intended to be worn over a blouse or shirt, as the second and third of the illustrations show. I would call the first one a sundress. (Though I suppose you could wear a sundress as a jumper if you wanted to.)
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Yes, I would also expect a jumper to be worn with a blouse (or possibly a sweater) underneath. However, the manufacturer of the dress in the first picture is advertising it specifically as a jumper that can be worn either with or without a shirt underneath.

(And who am I to argue with a manufacturer?)

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