squat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "squat" is correct and usable in written English, depending on the context.
It can be used in various contexts, such as fitness, informal discussions about living arrangements, or as a slang term for something of little value. Example: "After a long workout, I could barely do one squat without feeling exhausted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Dress code is informal: street clothes, swimwear, underclothes, collar and tie, religious robes... Girls squat down to urinate wherever there is a dip in the sand – there are no toilet facilities.

The Guardian - Travel

Lynas first heard about the notion of genetically modifying crops in a Brighton squat in early 1996, at a meeting of about six activists that was lead by Jim Thomas, a campaigns director for Greenpeace.

The Guardian

But the height act also limits the ability of architects to sculpt their buildings with shadow in mind, to build up instead of out, creating slender shadows instead of squat ones.

The Guardian

Among those presented in English are Robert's tour by railcar through the Prokopské valley to visit an important squat, and Ondra's tour of some of the city's most interesting buskers – including the fastest Czech guitarist.

The Guardian - Travel

Fabiana has worked at the school for two years, "It's hard, we have no running water or toilets so we have to squat behind the classroom to do our business.

The Guardian

2. After Cameron's comments to the Daily Mail and LBC questioning the "credibility" of a Labour government, how long will he squat at No 10, like Howard Hughes with rolled-up sleeves, ordering in takeaways and watching The Iron Lady on repeat, refusing to resign? 3. Although, he is entitled to for a while – so are all of these questions of legitimacy even relevant?

The Guardian - Opinion

"The man told me to take two minutes to cop a squat and drop a knot.

The Guardian

Its twilight tour of the city, which is the "most extreme" it offers, invites you to "meet the freaks that come out at night" as you explore a sci-fi-style bunker used by hackers, stumble through ruined buildings and drop by squat houses and industrial complexes.

The Guardian - Travel

The walls of the Qila, and the few structures within – a stepwell, a squat tower used as a library-cum-observatory, and a fine mosque – are attributed to the Mughal emperor Humayun and the Afghan Sher Shah Suri ('The Lion King'), rivals who ruled Delhi in the mid-16th century.

The Guardian

Open Fri-Sat 1pm-5pm and by appointment Like so many success stories of cultural Amsterdam, this gallery began as a squat in the 80s and is now recognised as one of the best in the city.

The Guardian - Travel

Trying to find somewhere to squat that doesn't reveal my nether regions to all and sundry is the bane of my life.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to the exercise, specify the type of "squat" (e.g., back "squat", front "squat") to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "squat" informally in professional writing, especially when referring to occupying a space illegally. Instead, use more formal terms like 'occupy without permission' or 'trespass' to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "squat" functions as a verb, noun, or adjective, depending on the context. As Ludwig confirms, it is used to describe the act of bending low, a building occupied illegally, or something short and thick. The versatility of "squat" allows it to fit into various sentence structures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "squat" is a versatile term used as a verb, noun, and adjective, each carrying distinct meanings. As Ludwig illustrates, "squat" commonly appears in News & Media and can denote bending low, illegally occupying a space, or describing something short and thick. Its grammatical correctness and frequent usage, supported by Ludwig, solidify its place in diverse writing contexts. When using "squat", consider the context to ensure the intended meaning is clearly conveyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

crouch down

Emphasizes the action of lowering the body close to the ground, focusing on the downward movement.

hunker down

Suggests a more prolonged or deliberate squat, often implying concealment or preparation.

bend low

Highlights the bending motion involved, suitable when the depth of the squat is less important.

diddly-squat

Expresses a negligible amount or value, related to the idiomatic usage of "squat".

occupy illegally

Focuses on the act of residing in a property without permission, a specific meaning of "squat".

stoop

Implies bending forward and downward, often due to age or fatigue, rather than a deliberate squat.

exercise with knee bends

Specifically refers to the fitness context of doing squats as an exercise.

cower

Suggests fear or submission, bending down to make oneself smaller or less visible.

short and thick

Describes the physical characteristic of being low and broad, reflecting one adjectival sense of "squat".

lie low

Implies remaining hidden or out of sight, often in a crouching or squatting position.

FAQs

How can I use "squat" in a sentence?

You can use "squat" in various contexts, such as: 'The hikers had to "squat" behind a rock to avoid the wind', 'The building was a former "squat" for artists', or 'He knew "squat" about the subject'.

What does it mean to "squat" in a building?

To "squat" in a building means to occupy or reside in a place without the permission of the owner. It's often associated with abandoned or unoccupied properties.

Which is correct, "squat" or "squatted"?

"Squat" is the base form of the verb. "Squatted" is the past tense and past participle. For example, 'They "squat" in the abandoned house' (present) versus 'They "squatted" in the abandoned house last year' (past).

What's the difference between "crouch" and "squat"?

"Crouch" and "squat" are similar, but "squat" implies resting on one's feet while bending deeply at the knees, while "crouch" can also mean to huddle or lower the body without necessarily resting on the feet.