Thongs: meaning, definitions and examples

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thongs

 

[ฮธษ’ล‹z ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

footwear

Thongs are a type of sandal characterized by a Y-shaped strap that goes between the big toe and the second toe. They are typically worn in warm weather.

Synonyms

flip-flops, sandals, slippers.

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Word Description / Examples
thongs

Used primarily in Australian and British English to refer to flip-flops, lightweight footwear worn casually in warm weather. Be careful as in American English, 'thongs' usually refers to a type of underwear.

  • I wear thongs to the beach.
  • He put on his thongs before going outside.
flip-flops

Casual and informal open-toed footwear typically worn in warm weather, around the house, or at the beach.

  • She bought a new pair of flip-flops for the summer.
  • He changed into his flip-flops after the hike.
sandals

Open-toed footwear that can be casual or slightly formal, suitable for warm weather, often with straps that hold the sole to the foot.

  • He wore leather sandals to the outdoor wedding.
  • Her new sandals are perfect for walking around the city.
slippers

Comfortable, usually soft footwear meant to be worn indoors, commonly at home to keep feet warm or comfortable.

  • She slipped into her fuzzy slippers after a long day at work.
  • He always leaves his slippers by the bed.

Examples of usage

  • She wore thongs to the beach.
  • He prefers to wear thongs rather than flip-flops.
Context #2 | Noun

underwear

Thongs are a type of underwear that leaves the buttocks exposed by having only a narrow strip of fabric running between the buttocks.

Synonyms

G-string, butt floss, tanga.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
thongs

In American English, 'thongs' typically refer to a type of sandal with a strap between the big toe and the second toe. In Australian and New Zealand English, it can also mean the same type of footwear.

  • I bought a new pair of thongs for the beach.
  • Don't forget to pack your thongs for the trip to Australia.
G-string

This word is commonly used to describe a type of very skimpy underwear that consists mostly of a string. It's often used in more specific fashion contexts or among people who are familiar with different types of lingerie.

  • Victoria's Secret has a wide selection of G-strings.
  • She prefers wearing G-strings because they don't show under tight clothing.
tanga

This term is often used in lingerie and fashion contexts to describe a type of underwear that provides slightly more coverage than a G-string but still minimal. It's more commonly used in European or specific fashion circles.

  • The brand offers a variety of tanga styles for everyday wear.
  • She bought a lace tanga as part of a matching set.
butt floss

This term is a colloquial and often humorous or slightly negative way to refer to very minimal underwear like a thong or G-string. It's usually used in casual conversations or jokes.

  • She said she couldn't stand wearing 'butt floss' because it's so uncomfortable.
  • You call that butt floss underwear?

Examples of usage

  • She wore a thong under her dress.
  • Some people find thongs uncomfortable to wear.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'thong' comes from the Old English 'รพwong,' meaning 'string' or 'strap,' which makes sense as it's a strap-like shoe.
  • In the 1930s, the term started being used to describe sandals in Australia, leading to the famous 'Aussie thongs'.

Fashion

  • Thongs became popular beachwear in the 1960s, particularly in Australia and later spread worldwide as casual summer footwear.
  • Today, flip-flops are an essential part of summer fashion and are often decorated with colorful patterns and embellishments.

Cultural Variations

  • In some regions, the term 'flip-flop' is more commonly used, giving it a distinct cultural identity compared to 'thong'.
  • In the U.S., 'thongs' can also refer to a type of minimal underwear, which can lead to misunderstandings in conversations.

Travel

  • Thongs are a travel essential because they are lightweight and easy to pack, perfect for beach vacations or casual outings.
  • Many travelers prefer wearing them in communal areas, like pools and showers, to keep their feet clean.

Health and Safety

  • Wearing thongs may not provide enough arch support for long walks, which can lead to foot fatigue if worn excessively.
  • While they are breathable and comfortable in warm weather, wearing thongs in rugged terrain is not recommended due to their lack of protection.

Translations

Translations of the word "thongs" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น tangas

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฅเฅ‰เคจเฅเค—เฅเคธ (เคคเค‚เค— เค…เค‚เคกเคฐเคตเคฟเคฏเคฐ)

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Tangas

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ tali celana dalam

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัั‚ั€ั–ะฝะณะธ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ stringi

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต Tใƒใƒƒใ‚ฏ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท strings

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ tangas

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท tanga

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํ‹ฐํŒฌํ‹ฐ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุซูˆู†ุบ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ tanga

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ tanga

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ไธๅญ—่ฃค

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ tangice

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ strengir

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั‚ะฐะฝะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒขแƒแƒœแƒ’แƒ”แƒ‘แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ tanga

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ tangas

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,439, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.