Definition

1. Noun:
   • A female checker: A woman or girl whose job is to temporarily take and store coats, hats, and other personal items from patrons at a venue such as a restaurant, theater, or nightclub, typically in exchange for a small fee or tip.

Usage

• The term "hatcheck girl" specifically refers to a female employee performing this service. It is a compound noun where "hatcheck" describes the service and "girl" specifies the gender of the worker, though the term is considered somewhat dated.
• This role involves giving the patron a ticket or claim check to retrieve their belongings later.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The hatcheck girl took my coat and handed me a numbered tag.
  • In the old nightclub, the hatcheck girl had a small booth near the entrance.

Advanced Usage

• The term evokes a specific historical or classic setting, often associated with early to mid-20th century urban entertainment venues.
• While "hatcheck girl" is a fixed term, the role itself is more neutrally described today as a "coat check attendant" or "cloakroom attendant," regardless of gender.

Variants and Related Words

• Coat check attendant (n): A person who staffs a coat check service. This is a more modern and gender-neutral term.
• Cloakroom attendant (n): Another term for a person who looks after coats and bags, often used in British English or in formal settings like theaters.
• Checker (n): A person who checks or takes items for temporary safekeeping. "Hatcheck girl" is a specific type of female checker.

Synonyms

• Coatroom girl: An informal synonym with similar meaning and dated connotations.
• Cloakroom girl: Similar to "coatroom girl," used especially in British contexts.

Related Phrases

• Hat check: The service or location itself.
  • We left our bags at the hat check.
• Coat check ticket / claim check: The ticket given to retrieve belongings.
  • Don't lose your coat check ticket.

Noun

1. a female checker