pedal pushers

American  

plural noun

1. slacks that extend to about the midpoint of the calf, worn by girls and women, originally used when cycling.

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pedal pushers British  

plural noun

1. calf-length trousers or jeans worn by women

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Etymology

Origin of pedal pushers

An Americanism dating back to 1940–45

Example Sentences

Ashwood, who wears "natty birch-bark pantaloons, hemp-rope belt, peekaboo see-through top and train engineer's tall hat" and a taxi driver wearing "fuchsia pedal pushers, pink yak fur slippers, a snakeskin sleeveless blouse, and a ribbon in his waist-length dyed white hair."

From Salon

A sophomore at Commerce High School, Diaz is president of 413 BikeLife, a loose collective of like-minded pedal pushers.

From Washington Times

She was excited and bought new pedal pushers and tennis shoes.

From Los Angeles Times

“This is already amazing,” a woman wearing pedal pushers said.

From The New Yorker

I got up at some point, walked to my room, changed into pedal pushers and a T-shirt, and sat on my bed.

From Literature