ENGLISH
REFERENCE

harris

n. countable
C2 Proficiency US //ˈhɛɹɪs// har·ris Slang

n. a person who is very good at something or has a lot of skill. You use this word to describe someone who is an expert or a 'pro' in their field.

n. a person possessing exceptional skill or expertise in a specific area. Informal in register; often used as a synonym for an expert or a highly competent professional.


SIMPLE

He is a real harris when it comes to fixing old cars.

CONTEXTUAL

If you need your taxes done perfectly, talk to Sarah; she is a total harris with numbers.

COMPLEX

The team recruited him because he is a harris at navigating complex international regulations, a skill that few others in the industry possess.

Etymology 1

From Harry + -s (“patronymic suffix”). From Harry, a male given name derived from a Middle English pronunciation of Old French Henri.

Etymology 2

Uncertain. Perhaps from Old Norse hérað (“hundred (administrative district)”), or from Old Norse hærri (“higher”), referring to the high hills on the island, especially compared to Lewis.

Usage

Typically used with the indefinite article 'a' or 'an' to describe a person's character or professional standing.

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