Slacks: meaning, definitions and examples

👖

Add to dictionary

slacks

[slaks ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

clothing

Loose-fitting trousers that are gathered at the waist and ankles, typically worn by sailors.

Synonyms

bottoms, pants, trousers.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
slacks	Slacks are generally used to describe more formal or dressy pants. They are typically worn in professional, business, or semi-formal settings. He wore a crisp white shirt and black slacks to the job interview. For the office party, she chose a pair of elegant slacks and a silk blouse.
trousers	Trousers is commonly used in British English and can refer to all types of pants, typically in a more formal or traditional context. He always looks so sharp in his tailored trousers. She bought a new pair of trousers for her business trip to London.
pants	Pants is a general term that can refer to any type of trousers, usually in a more casual or everyday context. It is widely used in American English. He prefers wearing jeans, but sometimes he wears khaki pants. These pants are great for everyday wear because they are so comfortable.
bottoms	Bottoms is a broad term that can refer to any type of clothing worn on the lower half of the body, including pants, skirts, shorts, etc. It's often used in casual or retail contexts. She paired her new sweater with her favorite denim bottoms. In the store, you'll find a selection of tops and bottoms for all occasions.

Examples of usage

He put on his slacks before heading out to the dock.
She prefers to wear slacks rather than skirts to work.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

informal

Lack of energy, motivation, or effort.

Synonyms

apathy, laziness, lethargy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
slacks	Refers to a type of casual or semi-formal trousers that are typically comfortable and worn for everyday use or at events that do not require formal attire. He wore slacks and a polo shirt to the office on casual Friday The store has a great selection of slacks in different colors and sizes
laziness	Refers to an unwillingness to work or use energy. It is often used to describe a habitual state of inactivity and avoidance of effort. Carries a negative connotation. His laziness was the main reason he failed to finish the assignment The house was a mess due to Tina's laziness
lethargy	Describes a state of tiredness, weariness, fatigue, or lack of energy, often due to illness or lack of sleep. It is more specific than 'laziness' and can be temporary. After the flu, she suffered from a week of lethargy The heat wave caused a widespread sense of lethargy among the residents
apathy	Describes a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern. Often used to describe a mental state where someone does not care about things that typically should matter. Generally has a negative connotation. Her apathy towards the project resulted in missed deadlines The team's apathy was evident in their lack of preparation and motivation

Examples of usage

I can't afford to have any slacks in my performance this week.
She needs to shake off those slacks and get back to work.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term 'slacks' originated in the 19th century in the United States, likely derived from the word 'slack,' meaning loose or relaxed.
Originally, slacks referred to trousers worn for sports and leisure activities, emphasizing comfort and ease.

Fashion

During the mid-20th century, slacks became a staple for men’s and women's wear, reflecting a shift towards more casual dress codes in workplaces.
The introduction of synthetic fabrics in the late 20th century gave rise to various styles of slacks, making them available in numerous colors and patterns.

Cultural Significance

In the 1960s, women began to adopt slacks as part of their professional attire, marking a significant step in gender equality in the workplace.
Slacks are often chosen for events that require a blend of formal and informal attire, showing their versatility in diverse social settings.

Comfort

Slacks are designed to provide comfort throughout long hours of wear, often featuring stretchy materials and a relaxed fit.
Unlike jeans, slacks typically have a smooth finish, which adds to their comfort and can be paired easily with various tops.

Trends

Fashion shows regularly feature slacks in innovative designs, indicating their continual evolution in the fashion industry.
Eco-friendly fabrics are increasingly being used for slacks, responding to the demand for sustainable fashion choices.

Translations

Translations of the word "slacks" in other languages:

🇵🇹 calças

🇮🇳 पैंट

🇩🇪 Hosen

🇮🇩 celana

🇺🇦 штани

🇵🇱 spodnie

🇯🇵 ズボン

🇫🇷 pantalons

🇪🇸 pantalones

🇹🇷 pantolon

🇰🇷 바지

🇸🇦 سراويل

🇨🇿 kalhoty

🇸🇰 nohavice

🇨🇳 裤子

🇸🇮 hlače

🇮🇸 buxur

🇰🇿 шалбар

🇬🇪 შარვლები

🇦🇿 şalvar

🇲🇽 pantalones

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,640, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
19637 beholding
19638 lath
19639 confessor
19640 slacks
19641 straightway
19642 practicality
19643 beaded
...