knickers

American  

[nik-erz] / ˈnɪk ərz /

noun

(used with a plural verb)

1. Also knickerbockers loose-fitting short trousers gathered in at the knees.

2. Chiefly British.

   1. a bloomerslike undergarment worn by women.

   2. panties.

3. British Informal. a woman's or girl's short-legged underpants.

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idioms

1. to get one's knickers in a twist, to get flustered or agitated.

   Don't get your knickers in a twist every time the telephone rings.

knickers British  

/ ˈnɪkəz /

plural noun

1. an undergarment for women covering the lower trunk and sometimes the thighs and having separate legs or leg-holes

2. a US variant of knickerbockers

3. slang to become agitated, flustered, or upset

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Usage

What does knickers mean? Knickers most commonly refers to women’s underwear. Knickers is primarily used in the U. K., where it may sound a little old-fashioned or childish—a lot of British people think of knickers as what grandmothers and little girls wear (as opposed to underwear). It is often used to intentionally imply such associations or to be funny. In the U. S., knickers was once used to refer to breeches, a kind of knee-length pants once popular for men and boys. But both the pants and the word for them are rarely used anymore. Example: My mum bought me some new knickers that look like they’re for my granny.

Etymology

Origin of knickers

1880–85; shortened form of knickerbockers, plural of knickerbocker, special use of Knickerbocker

Explanation

Knickers are underwear, especially women's underpants. Your little cousin's favorite knickers might be her blue and red Wonder Woman knickers. Knickers, meaning underpants, is primarily a British term, although Americans will usually know what you mean if you use it. In the US, the primary, if outdated, meaning of knickers is "short pants." These old fashioned trousers, also known as knickerbockers or "breeches," were loose and knee-length, and worn by men and boys. Golfers and skiers commonly wore knickers in the early 20th century.

Example Sentences

Costs for period knickers range from £8 to £46 for a pack of three online.

From BBC • Aug. 9, 2023

Ollie Robinson has played the role of provocateur to twist the knickers of the Aussie media.

From BBC • Jun. 19, 2023

The Hurricanes walked from PNC Arena in old-timey plaid golf knickers, matching hats and a black top over a white collared shirt with red tie.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 18, 2023

They filed out dressed in bright golf shirts, baseball hats and khakis or shorts — a far cry from their 1896 counterparts, who wore knickers, monogrammed blazers, tweed caps, dress shirts and bow ties.

From New York Times • Oct. 31, 2021

“Don’t get your knickers in a knot, Ruthanne. It’s too hot for that.”

From "Moon Over Manifest" by Clare Vanderpool

Related Words

• shorts
• slacks
• trousers
• underpants