# DAT

/ˈdæt/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dat
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. digital recording tape

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

Stands for Digital Audio Tape. A small magnetic tape used to record high-quality sound or computer data.

For teachers: 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.

Usage: Usually used as an uncountable noun or as a modifier before another noun.

### 2. dialect spelling of 'that'

determiner · CEFR C2 · Dialect · Humorous · Informal

a way of writing the word 'that' to show how it sounds in some accents, like in Ireland or parts of London.

For teachers: 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.

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.

## Examples

- Ask the DAT to fix your slow laptop.
- When the server crashed, everyone looked to the DAT for a quick solution.
- In many tech startups, the DAT is the unsung hero who keeps the digital infrastructure running smoothly behind the scenes.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.