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 In the US, the primary, if outdated, meaning of knickers is "short pants."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

“You also see the outside: baby’s dirty nappy or Margo’s ordinary knickers or track pants, all the unglamorous and unsexy things.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 20, 2026

“Don’t get your knickers in a twist, I’m not Mick Jagger,” he joked, delivering a goofy rendition of the Rolling Stones frontman’s signature moves before covering their hit “Start Me Up.”

From Seattle Times • May 25, 2024

If the VAT is removed, M&S has pledged to pass the cost saving onto customers which would means a three-pack of period knickers that currently retail at £20 would cost £16.

From BBC • Aug. 9, 2023

You begin by getting dressed, pulling on knickers and a cloth chest protector, navigating various straps and zippers, cinching up a thick jacket.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 6, 2022

The man was dressed in a shaggy tweed jacket and knickers with long woolen stockings and a cap that had a peak both front and back, and he seemed as confused as he could be.

From "The Phantom Tollbooth" by Norton Juster

Related Words

• shorts
• slacks
• trousers
• underpants