Word
DAT
Phoneticsdat
/ˈdæt/
Definitions
01digital recording tape
n. Stands for Digital Audio Tape. A small magnetic tape used to record high-quality sound or computer data.
n. Abbreviation for Digital Audio Tape. A magnetic tape format used for high-fidelity digital audio recording and data storage, typically using a helical scan system.
“The studio engineer backed up the final mix onto a DAT to keep a high-quality copy.”
“Before the widespread adoption of hard-disk recording, many professional studios relied on DAT machines for mastering and archival purposes.”
Technical
Usage
Usually used as an uncountable noun or as a modifier before another noun.
02dialect spelling of 'that'
det. a way of writing the word 'that' to show how it sounds in some accents, like in Ireland or parts of London.
det. a pronunciation spelling of the word 'that', used to represent specific regional phonology where the 'th' sound is replaced by a 'd' sound.
“Look at dat car over there; it looks amazing.”
“The author used 'dat' throughout the dialogue to capture the specific cadence and phonetic qualities of the local dialect.”
Dialect · Humorous · Informal
Usage
Used in informal writing or social media to mimic spoken speech patterns.
Teaching tip
Learners should avoid using this in any formal or academic context as it is non-standard and often used for humorous effect.
Synonyms