Skip to main content
jock itch

jock itch

2 6.6
A skin infection that causes itching in the groin, often in men
  • noun
  • /dʒɑk ɪtʃ/
translation icon : tiña inguinal
  • Boy, Dang, man, I've been having you know, I get seasonal jock itch and this isn't an advertisement.
  • get jock itch

Boy, Dang, man, I've been having you know, I get seasonal jock itch and this isn't an advertisement.

Examples

Synonyms

tinea cruris
vsjock itch
  • Specialized
7.4

A skin infection in the groin caused by a fungus that makes it itch and often affects men

is the common informal name used for the same groin infection
eczema marginatum
vsjock itch
  • Archaic
9.0

A skin infection caused by a fungus that affects the groin area, often in men

emphasizes itching and irritation in the groin area
dhobi itch
vsjock itch
  • Indian
9.8

An itchy skin infection caused by a fungus, often on the inner thighs and groin

is limited to the groin and focused on itching and irritation
dermatomycosis
vsjock itch
  • Specialized
9.9

A skin infection caused by a fungus, often in warm, wet areas under clothing

applies specifically to the groin with itching and irritation

How Severe

jock itch
2 6.6

Surface Forms

jock itch singular
jock itches plural

Morphology

jock + itch

The compound clearly combines a location-related noun ('jock' as jockstrap/athletic groin area) with 'itch', so a B1 learner who knows both words will readily infer an itching problem in the groin region. However, the specific conventionalized medical sense (a fungal infection) and the clinical implication are not fully derivable from the parts alone, making the expression only partially predictable.

Etymology

Jock itch comes from athletes and their clothing: jock was a word for an athlete or the 'jockstrap' they wore, and sweat and tight gear often caused an uncomfortable itch in the groin. So it now means a skin infection that makes the groin very itchy, especially in men and athletes.