What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
furriner
Example
The old man always referred to me as the 'furriner' since I was new to town. [furriner: noun]
Example
He spoke with a thick accent that made him sound like a furriner. [furriner: adjective]
foreigner
Example
The government requires all foreigners to register with the local authorities. [foreigners: noun]
Example
She felt like a foreigner in a strange land, unable to understand the customs and language. [foreigner: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Foreigner is a more common and widely used term than furriner. It is used in many different contexts and languages, while furriner is mainly used in certain regions of the United States or in literary works.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between furriner and foreigner?
Furriner is a more informal and colloquial term, while foreigner is a more formal and widely used term. Furriner is typically used in casual or literary contexts, while foreigner is used in more formal or official contexts.