knickers

[nik-erz]

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.

knickers

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of knickers¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of knickers¹

C19: contraction of _{knickerbockers}

Idioms and Phrases

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.

Related Words

• shorts 
• slacks 
• trousers 
• underpants 

When To Use

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.