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Dat Common

Dat has 6 different meanings across 4 categories:

Noun · Det · Conj · Pron

Definitions
Noun
1

a digital tape recording of sound

"The old music store sells vintage CDs and DAT tapes to collectors who appreciate high-fidelity analog recordings."

2

Digital Audio Tape — a digital data storage tape format using a dual-spooled cartridge and magnetic tape, used for digital audio and data storage.

"The engineer backed up the recording session onto DAT to ensure high-quality archiving of the digital tracks."

In plain English: DAT is an old type of cassette tape that stored music and computer files digitally.

"The musician insisted on transferring the recording to dat for archival purposes."

Usage: Dat refers specifically to a type of magnetic tape used primarily in the 1980s and 90s for storing digital audio or computer data. It's a technical term; avoid using it casually when referring to any kind of data storage.

Adverb
1

Pronunciation spelling of that.

"The local accent often renders the word "that" as "dat"."

In plain English: Dat" is just a casual way to say "that.

"I can't believe he actually said dat."

Usage: Dat is an intentionally incorrect, phonetic spelling of "that," often used online in memes or humorous contexts to mimic a stereotypical Southern or rural dialect. Use it sparingly and with awareness of its potential to be perceived as mocking.

Det
1

Pronunciation spelling of that.

"She wrote down her favorite pronunciation, which she spelled as dat."

Conj
1

Pronunciation spelling of that.

Pron
1

Pronunciation spelling of that.

"The pronunciation guide shows that "dat" is an informal way to write the word "that.""

Example Sentences
"I can't believe he actually said dat." adv
"The musician insisted on transferring the recording to dat for archival purposes." noun
"The dat was still warm from the oven when he took it out to cool on the counter." noun
"She brought home an old dat that her grandmother had saved for years." noun
"He carefully wrapped the fragile dat in bubble wrap before mailing it to his sister." noun
See Also
gmat cassette dct data qic that audiotape digital audio
Related Terms
Broader Terms (hypernyms)
audiotape

Origin

Dat is a pronunciation spelling of the word "that," used in dialects where speakers replace the 'th' sound with a 'd'. This form shares its origin with similar words in Dutch, Low German, and German.

Rhyming Words
adat sadat sedat soldat true dat samizdat concordat
Compare
Dat vs