noun

Balenciaga

buh-len-see-AH-guh

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Balenciaga (noun) means a Spanish-founded luxury fashion house, now based in Paris and part of the Kering group, known for sculptural couture in its early decades and, more recently, for oversized streetwear, chunky trainers and heavily branded accessories. Example: “She turned up in head-to-toe Balenciaga.”

noun

A Spanish-founded luxury fashion house, now based in Paris and part of the Kering group, known for sculptural couture in its early decades and, more recently, for oversized streetwear, chunky trainers and heavily branded accessories.

"She turned up in head-to-toe Balenciaga."

"The Balenciaga Triple S is what made the ugly-trainer trend mainstream."

An item of clothing, footwear or a bag made by that house.

"Those are Balenciagas, not a high-street copy."

How to use Balenciaga

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA very expensive designer fashion brand.

When to use it

Proper noun, always capitalised. Widely referenced in rap lyrics and on social media as shorthand for wealth.

Memory tip

The g is soft in Spanish but English speakers say it with a hard g: buh-len-see-AH-guh.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

Bottega Veneta Givenchy Valenciennes

Common pairings

Balenciaga bag Balenciaga trainers head-to-toe Balenciaga Balenciaga hoodie

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “Balenciaga” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She turned up in head-to-toe _____.

Etymology

From the surname of the Basque couturier Cristóbal Balenciaga, who founded the house.

Origin: Spanish

Rhymes for Balenciaga

Aga saga raga maga gaga naga Kaga Braga Malaga rutabaga Nobunaga

See all rhymes for Balenciaga →

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce Balenciaga?

In English it is usually said buh-len-see-AH-guh, with four beats after the first syllable. In Spanish the c is closer to a soft th or s sound and the stress still falls on the AH.

Is Balenciaga a luxury brand?

Yes. It is one of the major European luxury houses, owned by the Kering group alongside Gucci and Saint Laurent, and its clothing and bags are priced accordingly.

What is the meaning of Balenciaga?

"Balenciaga" (noun) means a Spanish-founded luxury fashion house, now based in Paris and part of the Kering group, known for sculptural couture in its early decades and, more recently, for oversized streetwear, chunky trainers and heavily branded accessories.

What are the different meanings of Balenciaga?

"Balenciaga" has 2 main meanings: 1. A Spanish-founded luxury fashion house, now based in Paris and part of the Kering group, known for sculptural couture in its early decades and, more recently, for oversized streetwear, chunky trainers and heavily branded accessories; 2. An item of clothing, footwear or a bag made by that house.