Tanga Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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tanga

[ˈtæŋɡə ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

type of clothing

A type of skirt or loincloth traditionally worn in many parts of Africa, especially in Tanzania and Kenya. It is typically made of colorful fabric and is worn by both men and women.

Synonyms

loincloth, skirt, wrap.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
tanga	Tanga is a type of underwear or swimwear that has a narrow piece of fabric at the back, typically a thong. It is often worn during activities like swimming or sunbathing. She bought a new tanga bikini for the beach vacation. The tanga underwear is comfortable and almost invisible under tight clothing.
skirt	A skirt is a garment that hangs from the waist down to cover part of the legs. It is generally a piece of clothing for women but can also be worn by men in certain cultures. She wore a beautiful floral skirt to the party. During the festival, men wore traditional kilts, which are a type of skirt.
loincloth	A loincloth is a simple garment, historically worn by many different cultures as everyday clothing or during rituals. It is most often made from a single piece of cloth wrapped around the hips. Historically, loincloths were worn by many indigenous peoples. The depiction of the ancient warrior includes a traditional loincloth.
wrap	A wrap refers to a piece of cloth or clothing that is draped around the body for warmth, modesty, or fashion. It is versatile and can be styled in many different ways. She used a colorful wrap to cover her shoulders on a cool evening. The wrap dress was both stylish and comfortable.

Examples of usage

The Maasai tribe in Kenya is known for wearing tanga as part of their traditional attire.
She tied a tanga around her waist before dancing at the festival.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

geography

A shallow inlet or bay, often found along the coast of East Africa.

Synonyms

bay, cove, inlet.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
tanga	Tanga usually refers to a type of swimwear or underwear, specifically a style that reveals a lot of the wearer's skin. It is often used in fashion and apparel contexts. She prefers wearing a tanga when she goes to the beach. The store sells a variety of tangas in different colors.
inlet	An inlet is a narrow body of water between islands or leading inland from a larger body of water, usually a narrow channel. Inlets are often referenced in navigation and coastal geography. The boat navigated through the narrow inlet to reach the harbor. The inlet was calm and peaceful, ideal for kayaking.
bay	A bay is a large body of water partially enclosed by land but with a wide mouth, usually larger than a cove or an inlet. It is often used in geographical contexts or when describing coastal landscapes. San Francisco Bay is known for its stunning views. We docked the boat in the bay to explore the nearby town.
cove	A cove is a small, sheltered bay, often with a pleasant beach. It is typically used to describe secluded or hidden coastal areas. They found a hidden cove perfect for swimming. The cove was surrounded by steep cliffs.

Examples of usage

The fishermen anchored their boats in the calm waters of the tanga.
We could see the sunset reflecting off the tanga in the distance.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Fashion

The introduction of the tanga met a demand for swimwear that balances between comfort and minimal coverage.
Runway shows in the late 20th century began to feature this style prominently, helping it become a fashionable choice.
Different variations of tangas exist; some are even adorned with beads or unique patterns to enhance their appeal.

Cultural Significance

In many beach cultures, wearing a tanga is a statement of body positivity and confidence.
Popularized by social media influencers, the tanga signifies a trend towards celebrating diversity in body shapes.
Wearing a tanga can sometimes be viewed differently across cultures, reflecting unique attitudes towards body image and modesty.

History

The style has historical roots in ancient civilizations where minimal clothing made sense for hot climates.
Throughout the decades, the tanga has sparked debates regarding fashion choices and societal norms.
The late 20th century saw a resurgence in interest for swimwear that emphasizes both fashion and freedom of movement.

Psychology

Wearing minimal clothing like a tanga can influence how individuals feel about their bodies and self-image.
Studies suggest that styles of swimwear can affect confidence levels and social interactions at beaches or pools.
The choice to wear revealing swimwear often reflects a personal decision tied to self-expression and comfort.

Origin of 'tanga'

Main points about word origin

The word 'tanga' comes from the Spanish word 'tanga' which is thought to relate to 'tangled' due to its minimal fabric.
First referenced in the 1970s, this swimwear style originated in Brazil before gaining popularity worldwide.
In some cultures, this type of swimwear is known for revealing design and is often associated with beach and tropical fashion.

The word 'tanga' has its origins in Swahili, a Bantu language spoken in East Africa. It has been used for centuries to describe both a type of clothing and a geographical feature. The tanga skirt has cultural significance in many African communities, symbolizing tradition and identity. The geographical tanga, with its calm waters and scenic beauty, has inspired poets and artists alike. Overall, 'tanga' represents a blend of culture, nature, and heritage in East Africa.