knickers

American  

[nik-erz] / ˈnɪk ərz /

noun

(used with a plural verb)

1. Also knickerbockers loose-fitting short trousers gathered in at the knees.

2. Chiefly British.

   1. a bloomerslike undergarment worn by women.

   2. panties.

3. British Informal. a woman's or girl's short-legged underpants.

---

idioms

1. to get one's knickers in a twist, to get flustered or agitated.

   Don't get your knickers in a twist every time the telephone rings.

knickers British  

/ ˈnɪkəz /

plural noun

1. an undergarment for women covering the lower trunk and sometimes the thighs and having separate legs or leg-holes

2. a US variant of knickerbockers

3. slang to become agitated, flustered, or upset

---

Usage

What does knickers mean? Knickers most commonly refers to women’s underwear.Knickers is primarily used in the U.K., where it may sound a little old-fashioned or childish—a lot of British people think of knickers as what grandmothers and little girls wear (as opposed to underwear). It is often used to intentionally imply such associations or to be funny.In the U.S., knickers was once used to refer to breeches, a kind of knee-length pants once popular for men and boys. But both the pants and the word for them are rarely used anymore.Example: My mum bought me some new knickers that look like they’re for my granny.

Etymology

Origin of knickers

1880–85; shortened form of knickerbockers, plural of knickerbocker, special use of Knickerbocker

Example Sentences

On social media, the Fleet lights - which the council said were meant to look like lanterns - were described as resembling knickers.

From BBC • Dec. 24, 2024

People on social media have said the request trivialised animal rights issues, but Ms Allen has hit back saying critics were getting their "knickers in a twist".

From BBC • Nov. 27, 2024

“Don’t get your knickers in a twist, I’m not Mick Jagger,” he joked, delivering a goofy rendition of the Rolling Stones frontman’s signature moves before covering their hit “Start Me Up.”

From Seattle Times • May 25, 2024

They filed out dressed in bright golf shirts, baseball hats and khakis or shorts — a far cry from their 1896 counterparts, who wore knickers, monogrammed blazers, tweed caps, dress shirts and bow ties.

From New York Times • Oct. 31, 2021

A bargeman, poling away from the shore, found Chicken late that afternoon stuck in some rocks and weeds, his knickers ballooning about his legs.

From "Sula" by Toni Morrison

Related Words

• shorts
• slacks
• trousers
• underpants