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The word “hamper” can have different meanings for different people in different languages. How confusing can it be to ‘define hamper’? British people might think of a hamper as a container to take on a picnic. Americans would call this a picnic basket. This is only the beginning of the differing definitions between Britain and the U.S. Let’s take a look at some of the different meanings of “hamper,” and how these differ between American and British English.
Hamper Meaning
As many hampers as there are meanings that define hamper in this picture. (CC) Hey Paul
The word “hamper” can have at least two different meanings. The first meaning has to do with something being an obstacle or an impediment. It can also mean to restrain or interfere, encumber. The second meaning, however, is quite different than the first meaning of “hamper.” This first meaning of “hamper” is the same in both British and American English.
The second meaning, however, can be a bit different between Brits and Americans. According to the Oxford Dictionary online, “hamper” can (in British English) mean a container that holds food. More specifically, a hamper is a basket, with a handle, that you use to take food on a picnic. This type of hamper also has a cover or lid of some kind. Now, if you’re speaking to an American, and say you’re taking a hamper with on your outing, they might wonder why you’re taking dirty clothes on a picnic. Most Americans will assume you’re talking about a dirty clothes hamper, or a dirty clothes basket. What a difference in meaning one small word can have to two nationalities who both speak English.
Origins of the Word Hamper
The Oxford Dictionary online says “hamper” is from the Middle-English, and denoted any large case or casket (box). “Hamper” is also from the Anglo-Norman French hanaper (also Germanic), which was a case to hold a goblet. Here again, it’s easy to imagine some ways a person who spoke Anglo-Norman French might not understand the American or British use of the word hamper. They would wonder why anyone would want to use a hamper to carry food on a picnic, or why anyone would store dirty clothes in a container meant to hold a goblet. One small word can mean so many things to people of different time periods. Be careful when reading books from that past, and make sure you understand their use of the word “hamper,” knowing they are probably not talking about a dirty clothes or laundry hamper/basket.
Synonyms of “Hamper”
Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary lists several synonyms of the word “hamper.” These synonyms fit in with the second definition of “hamper,” as in being a container to hold or carrying something. Here’s the list:
- Bassinet (American and British English): a baby basket or first baby bed.
- Bathroom hamper (American and British English): a container or basket used in the bathroom, possibly to hold cosmetics, towels or decorative items, such as pretty soaps.
- Cradle (American and British English): baby bed that is typically on rockers or a swing.
- Clothes hamper (British English): some container or basket to hold clean or dirty clothes.
- Clothes basket (American English): typically a basket used to hold dirty or clean clothes.
- Decorative hamper (British English): a container, possibly a basket, used to hold some decorative ornament, such as flowers.
- Laundry basket (American and British English): a basket used to hold dirty or clean clothes.
- Pannier (American and British English): a large basket usually carried on an animal’s back.
- Wood hamper (British English): a basket, of metal or woven wood/wicker, used to carry and/or store wood for a fireplace or wood burning stove.
- Wood basket (American English): a basket, of metal or woven wood/wicker, used to carry and/or store wood for a fireplace or wood burning stove.
Each of these words can be confused between American and British English, though the meanings are more alike than not. However, confusion still reigns between the Americans and the Brits. Most of these containers can be in the form of some type of basket. You can find almost any use for a hamper or basket. Baskets and hampers are a useful part of our every day lives, no matter what side of the ocean we live on. Just be careful when speaking to a Brit or American, and specify exactly what you mean when you use the word “hamper.”
