# Dem

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dem
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. them

pronoun · CEFR B1 · Dialect · Slang · Informal

a way of saying 'them' used in certain dialects or informal speech.

For teachers: a nonstandard or dialectal variant of the third-person plural object pronoun 'them'.

- I don't like dem at all, they are always making noise.
- In many Caribbean-influenced dialects, 'dem' serves as the standard object pronoun where general English would use 'them'.

Usage: Used as the object of a verb or preposition in specific dialects.

Teaching tip: Learners should recognize this in songs or films but avoid using it in academic or professional writing unless they are intentionally mimicking a specific dialect.

### 2. those

determiner · CEFR B1 · Dialect · Slang · Informal

a way of saying 'those' used in some informal dialects.

For teachers: a dialectal demonstrative determiner used in place of 'those'.

- Look at dem shoes over there, they look really expensive.
- The speaker used 'dem' as a demonstrative to point out specific items across the room, a common feature in Multicultural London English.

Usage: Placed before a plural noun to point something out.

Teaching tip: This is highly informal and associated with specific regional identities; use with caution.

### 3. Democrat

noun · CEFR B2 · American English · Informal

a short way to say 'Democrat' or refer to the Democratic Party in the US.

For teachers: A clipping of 'Democrat' or an abbreviation for the Democratic Party, often used in political journalism or polling data.

- The latest poll shows the Dem candidate is leading by five points.
- Political analysts often use 'Dem' and 'GOP' as shorthand when discussing voting blocks and legislative strategies in the United States.

Usage: Often used as a modifier before another noun like 'candidate' or 'voter'.

Teaching tip: Common in headlines and news graphics where space is limited.

## Examples

- I like those shoes, I want dem.
- If you see the new files on the server, just delete dem before the meeting starts.
- The lyrics use 'dem' to maintain the rhythmic flow of the verse, reflecting the authentic street slang of the artist's hometown while signaling a specific cultural identity to the listeners.

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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.