necklace
- 01 A1 Beginner
n.a piece of jewellery that you wear around your neck.
n.an ornamental chain or string of beads, jewels, or links worn around the neck.
Simple“She wore a beautiful gold necklace that her grandmother gave her.”
In context“The museum's collection includes an intricate diamond necklace once owned by the French royal family.”
- 02 C2 Proficiency
n.a petrol-filled tyre used as a weapon or for execution.
n.a rubber tyre filled with petrol, used in the practice of 'necklacing' as a method of extrajudicial execution.
Simple“The history book described the horrific use of the necklace during the riots.”
In context“The witness provided a harrowing account of how the mob used a petrol-soaked necklace to intimidate the local population.”
UsageSpecific to South African English and historical contexts of political violence.
Teacher's tipThis sense is highly specific to South African history; learners should be aware of its extremely violent and sensitive nature.
- 03 C2 Proficiency
v.to kill someone using a petrol-filled tyre.
v.to carry out an extrajudicial execution by placing a petrol-filled tyre around a victim's neck and setting it on fire.
Simple“The gang threatened to necklace anyone who spoke to the police.”
In context“During the height of the unrest, several individuals were necklaced in the streets as a warning to others.”
UsageTransitive verb used primarily in South African political and historical discourse.
Teacher's tipThis is a very rare and specific verb; it is almost never used outside of discussing South African history.
From neck + lace.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.