Skivvy: meaning, definitions and examples

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skivvy

 

[ หˆskษชvi ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

informal usage

A skivvy is a colloquial term that refers to a domestic worker or a servant, particularly one who does menial tasks. It is commonly used in Australian English and can also denote a person, often a woman, employed in household duties. This term has a somewhat derogatory connotation, suggesting low status or social class within the labor hierarchy.

Synonyms

domestic worker, housekeeper, maid, servant

Examples of usage

  • She works as a skivvy in the wealthy family's home.
  • He was treated like a skivvy, with no respect or appreciation.
  • In the old days, many households had a skivvy to help with chores.
Context #2 | Noun

clothing

In British English, a 'skivvy' can also refer to a type of close-fitting undershirt or top, often made of a stretchy material. It is typically worn beneath other clothing and can be used for warmth or comfort. The term may sometimes appear in discussions about fashion and layered clothing styles.

Synonyms

base layer, thermal, turtleneck, undershirt

Examples of usage

  • I wore a skivvy under my sweater for extra warmth.
  • She prefers to layer her outfits, starting with a skivvy.
  • The skivvy is versatile and can be dressed up or down.

Translations

Translations of the word "skivvy" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น camiseta

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคธเฅเค•เคฟเคตเฅ€

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Unterhemd

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ kaos dalam

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั„ัƒั‚ะฑะพะปะบะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ koszulka

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚นใ‚ญใƒ“

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท t-shirt

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ camiseta

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท tiลŸรถrt

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์Šคํ‚ค๋น„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุชูŠ ุดูŠุฑุช

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ triฤko

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ triฤko

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ Tๆค

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ majica

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ skyrta

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั„ัƒั‚ะฑะพะปะบะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒคแƒฃแƒขแƒ‘แƒแƒšแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ t-shirt

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ camiseta

Etymology

The term 'skivvy' has its origins in British slang, and its earliest recorded usage dates back to the 19th century. It is derived as a diminutive form of 'skivvies', which were a type of undergarment. Over time, the word evolved to include the meaning of a domestic servant, reflecting the social dynamics and attitudes towards labor during that era. In Australian English, the word further cemented its informal usage, often indicating someone who carries out low-status work within a household. This evolution of meaning showcases the shifting perceptions of domestic work and the language's ability to adapt and reflect cultural nuances.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,413, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.