acid-washed

[ as-id-wosht, ‑-wawsht ]

adjective

1. (of a denim garment) processed with a bleach solution so that the color becomes faded and grayish.

Word History and Origins

Origin of acid-washed¹

First recorded in 1985–90

Example Sentences

There are countless '80s Easter eggs in the 1987 John Hughes-tinged world filled with pastels, puffy sleeves, acid-washed jeans and most importantly an iconic fringe white leather jacket that Jamie wears throughout the film in its two timelines.

From Salon

The film transports Jamie into a John Hughes-tinged world filled with pastels, puffy sleeves, acid-washed jeans and most importantly an iconic fringe white leather jacket that veteran costume designer Patti Henderson said was based on a look from a prominent character in "Ferris Bullers Day Off."

From Salon

When we think '80s we think John Hughes, puffy sleeves, and acid-washed jeans.

From Salon

“When caught, Hillary then deleted and acid-washed. Nobody does that because of the expense, but it’s pretty conclusive. Thirty-three thousand emails in defiance of a congressional subpoena already launched. The subpoena was there and she decided to delete, acid-wash and then smash and destroy her cellphones with a hammer. And then they say I participated in obstruction.”

From New York Times

Then again, like acid-washed jeans and crop tops, it was only a matter of time before they came back in style — even if we're still ashamed to call them out.

From Salon