Unmentionables: meaning, definitions and examples

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unmentionables

 

[ ʌnˈmɛnʃ(ə)nəb(ə)lz ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

clothing

Unmentionables refer to undergarments, especially those worn by women. They are called unmentionables because they are considered intimate and not to be discussed in polite conversation.

Synonyms

lingerie, undergarments, unwear.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unmentionables

Used in a humorous or euphemistic context to refer to underwear, often implying modesty or a desire to avoid explicit naming.

  • She blushed when her unmentionables were mentioned in public.
  • Unmentionables should be washed separately from other clothes.
undergarments

A general, neutral term for any kind of underwear, useful in formal or clinical settings.

  • He packed his undergarments in the suitcase before the trip.
  • Properly fitting undergarments are important for comfort.
lingerie

Refers to women's undergarments that are typically more elaborate and designed to be attractive, often associated with sensuality.

  • She bought new lingerie for a special occasion.
  • The boutique specializes in high-end lingerie items.
unwear

A very informal and not widely accepted term for underwear, sometimes used playfully but generally less common.

  • Don't forget to put your clean unwear in the laundry basket.
  • He's a bit quirky, always referring to his underwear as unwear.

Examples of usage

  • She packed her unmentionables in her suitcase.
  • The store sells a variety of women's unmentionables.

Translations

Translations of the word "unmentionables" in other languages:

🇵🇹 roupa íntima

🇮🇳 अंडरगारमेंट्स

🇩🇪 Unterwäsche

🇮🇩 pakaian dalam

🇺🇦 нижня білизна

🇵🇱 bielizna

🇯🇵 下着 (したぎ)

🇫🇷 sous-vêtements

🇪🇸 ropa interior

🇹🇷 iç çamaşırı

🇰🇷 속옷

🇸🇦 ملابس داخلية

🇨🇿 spodní prádlo

🇸🇰 spodná bielizeň

🇨🇳 内衣 (nèiyī)

🇸🇮 spodnje perilo

🇮🇸 nærföt

🇰🇿 іш киім

🇬🇪 ქვედა საცვალი

🇦🇿 alt paltarı

🇲🇽 ropa interior

Etymology

The term 'unmentionables' originated in the late 18th century as a euphemism for underwear, particularly women's undergarments. During this time, discussing such intimate clothing items was considered inappropriate and taboo in polite society. The word 'unmentionables' allowed people to refer to these items discreetly without causing offense. Over time, the term has evolved to become somewhat humorous and nostalgic, often used in a playful or ironic manner to refer to undergarments.

See also: mention, mentioned, mentioner.