Turn-ups vs. Cuffs
The regional equivalence applies specifically to trouser hems. In other contexts, “cuff” can name the end of a sleeve and other objects, so the terms are not universally interchangeable.
For the folded-back bottom of a trouser leg, “turn-ups” is chiefly British wording and “cuffs” is the US counterpart. “Cuff” has several other clothing and non-clothing senses.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / context | Use | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| UK folded trouser hems | turn-ups | Use the chiefly British term. |
| US folded trouser hems | cuffs | Use the US counterpart for that trouser sense. |
| sleeve end or another cuff sense | cuff / cuffs | This is not equivalent to “turn-up(s)” in the trouser sense. |
Quick tests
Decision test
Are you naming the folded bottom of a trouser leg for a UK or US audience?
If yes: Use “turn-ups” in UK wording or “cuffs” in US wording.
If no: If “cuff” means a sleeve end or another sense, the regional trouser equivalence does not apply.
Caveat: Limit the equivalence to trouser hems; “cuff” is a broader polysemous word.
Examples
The trousers have narrow turn-ups.
“Turn-ups” is chiefly British for folded trouser hems.
The pants have narrow cuffs.
“Cuffs” is the US counterpart in this trouser sense.
The shirt cuffs are buttoned.
Here “cuffs” means sleeve ends, not trouser turn-ups.
Further guidance
Core difference
Use the chiefly British term.
Fast Test
Use “turn-ups” in UK wording or “cuffs” in US wording. If “cuff” means a sleeve end or another sense, the regional trouser equivalence does not apply.
Usage Boundary
Limit the equivalence to trouser hems; “cuff” is a broader polysemous word.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- turn-up (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Turn-up is mainly UK for the folded-back material at the bottom of a trouser leg, with US usually cuff as the counterpart.
- cuff (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Cuff has a US clothing sense for the turned-up bottom of a trouser leg, corresponding to UK turn-up; cuff also has sleeve and other senses.