what are knickers

what are knickers

6 hours ago 1
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Knickers primarily have two meanings depending on the context and region:

  1. In British English, "knickers" refer to women's underwear, specifically a piece of undergarment that covers the body from the middle part to the tops of the legs. It is similar to what in American English would be called "panties." This usage is common in the UK, Ireland, and some Commonwealth countries.
  2. Historically, particularly in the early 20th century in the United States, "knickers" or "knickerbockers" were a form of loose, baggy-kneed trousers that fit just below the knee. These were worn by men and boys, especially for sports like golf and baseball, and were practical for outdoor activities. This style has largely fallen out of everyday wear but may still appear in some sporting uniforms and vintage fashion.

So, "knickers" can mean either women's underpants or short, loose-fitting trousers gathered at the knee, with the meaning depending on the place and context. The British usage today most commonly refers to women's underwear. Additionally, "knickers" in British slang can be used as an exclamation to show annoyance or disagreement. The dual meanings stem from the original term "knickerbockers," which referred to the knee-breeches style trousers, while the undergarment sense evolved later.

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