clam diggers

or clamdiggers

noun

, (used with a plural verb)

1. casual pants that end slightly below the knee.

clam-diggers

plural noun

1. calf-length trousers

Word History and Origins

Origin of clam diggers¹

1850–55, for literal sense

Example Sentences

“People like clam diggers and fishermen would go out brushing after the fishing season was over, and it was a way to bring in some income, especially right before Christmas, heading into the lean months.”

From New York Times

WALDOBORO, Maine — Clam diggers visit Elaine and Ralph Johnston’s hardware store in the coastal town of Waldoboro for shellfish rakes and waders.

From New York Times

WALDOBORO, Maine — Clam diggers visit Elaine and Ralph Johnston’s hardware store in the coastal town of Waldoboro for shellfish rakes and waders.

From New York Times

They look like a pair of clam diggers, slowly tiptoeing through the shallow water and its muck until the newly soaked ball is in their grasp.

From Washington Post

“They’re so abundant, and you’re talking to traditional clam diggers who go out with rakes,” Barrett told me.

From Slate

Related Words

• knickers
• shorts
• slacks
• trousers
• underpants