General
britva
What does britva mean?
Closely linked to the gang's violence and street fights.
"He flicked open his britva and the other gang backed away."
Origin
Coined by Burgess in A Clockwork Orange (1962) from the Russian 'britva', 'razor'. It is among the Nadsat terms that make the gang's weapons sound almost glamorous.
Frequently asked questions
What does britva mean?
It is Nadsat for a razor, often used as a weapon, from the Russian 'britva'.
Where did britva come from?
Anthony Burgess coined it for A Clockwork Orange in 1962 from the Russian word for razor.
What is a britva used for in the novel?
Alex and his droogs carry britvas as weapons in their street fights and attacks.
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