bobby socks

American  

[bob-ee-soks] / ˈbɒb iˌsɒks /

Also bobsox or bobby sox,

plural noun

1. socks that reach above the ankle and are sometimes folded down to the ankle.

---

adjective

1. indicating or associated with the wearing of bobbysocks; adolescent.

   strictly a bobbysocks crowd; the bobbysocks generation.

bobby socks British  

plural noun

1. ankle-length socks worn by teenage girls, esp in the US in the 1940s

---

Etymology

Origin of bobby socks

1940–45, bobby (for bobbed ² ( def. ), altered by association with bobby pin ) + socks ( def. )

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

bobby socks

Scrappy Marie from Glasgow was edged out by Lulu, with her chipmunk smile, sculpted hair and bobby socks.

From BBC ● Sep. 23, 2025

What fascinated me was that the girl who rode bikes or opened holiday presents with her brother, and posed in the swing skirts and bobby socks of another era, looked remarkably like me.

From Salon ● Aug. 24, 2019

This muscled chestnut sports bobby socks on all four feet, and his face is creased by a white racing stripe.

From New York Times ● Nov. 3, 2016

“The Reynolds Sisters” entertained the church pews in hula skirts and bobby socks.

From Washington Post ● Mar. 23, 2016

I sit at the end of the pew, next to Suesetta, who is wearing a navy-blue skirt, a white starched shirt, saddle oxfords, and bobby socks.

From "Betty Before X" by Ilyasah Shabazz and Renée Watson