Skivvy: meaning, definitions and examples
๐งน
skivvy
[ หskษชvi ]
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.
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:
๐ต๐น camiseta
๐ฎ๐ณ เคธเฅเคเคฟเคตเฅ
๐ฉ๐ช Unterhemd
๐ฎ๐ฉ kaos dalam
๐บ๐ฆ ัััะฑะพะปะบะฐ
๐ต๐ฑ koszulka
๐ฏ๐ต ในใญใ
๐ซ๐ท t-shirt
๐ช๐ธ camiseta
๐น๐ท tiลรถrt
๐ฐ๐ท ์คํค๋น
๐ธ๐ฆ ุชู ุดูุฑุช
๐จ๐ฟ triฤko
๐ธ๐ฐ triฤko
๐จ๐ณ Tๆค
๐ธ๐ฎ majica
๐ฎ๐ธ skyrta
๐ฐ๐ฟ ัััะฑะพะปะบะฐ
๐ฌ๐ช แคแฃแขแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ t-shirt
๐ฒ๐ฝ camiseta
Word origin
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.