Anorak

From Freeradio

An anorak is generally considered to be a fan of free or pirate radio.

Origin of the term

The expression was coined, possibly by the Radio Caroline DJ Andy Archer, in the 1970s to describe Offshore radio enthusiasts who used to visit the offshore pirates in boats. They tended to wear waterproof coats such as anoraks while sailing on the North Sea, hence the name!

An anorak is now often also considered to be an enthusiast of anything, due to the cliche of trainspotters wearing anoraks - so an anorak may now be an enthusiast of radio in general.

Notable uses of the term Anorak

In the 1980s, there was a free radio organisation called Anoraks UK, based in (or near) Blackpool. Anoraks UK used to print a Weekly Report of pirate radio stations heard in the UK and Eire during the previous week, as well as selling airchecks and other free radio memorabilia.