Knickerbockers: meaning, definitions and examples

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knickerbockers

 

[ ˈnɪkərˌbɑkərz ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

historical clothing

Knickerbockers are a style of trousers that are usually loose-fitting and gathered at the knee, often worn for sports or informal activities. They were popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly among boys and men, and are often associated with Victorian styles of dress.

Synonyms

breeches, culottes, short trousers

Examples of usage

  • He wore knickerbockers while playing golf.
  • The children dressed in knickerbockers for the school play.
  • She found a vintage pair of knickerbockers at the thrift store.
  • Knickerbockers were common attire for boys in the early 1900s.

Etymology

The term 'knickerbockers' originated from the Dutch name 'Knickerbocker', which referred to a New York City settler. The word became widely associated with the style of trousers that the early settlers wore, which were knee-length and baggy. As the 19th century progressed, knickerbockers evolved into a fashion item, especially among sports enthusiasts. By the late 1800s and early 1900s, knickerbockers became synonymous with children's clothing and boy's fashion, marking an essential period in the development of American recreational attire. Their popularity waned in the mid-20th century but continues to appear periodically in fashion revivals.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,042, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.