How Do You Spell BOTTOM DRAWER?

Pronunciation: [bˈɒtəm dɹˈɔː] (IPA)

The phrase "bottom drawer" is often used to refer to a young woman's collection of household items, clothing, and linens that she stores in anticipation of marriage. In terms of spelling, "bottom" is pronounced /ˈbɒtəm/ in British English and /ˈbɑːtəm/ in American English, while "drawer" is pronounced /ˈdrɔː/ in British English and /ˈdrɔr/ in American English. When pronounced together, the stress falls on the second syllable of "drawer," creating the /drɔr/ sound. As with many English words, the pronunciation can vary based on regional accents and dialects.

BOTTOM DRAWER Meaning and Definition

1. The term "bottom drawer" typically refers to a specific drawer in a chest or dresser located at the bottom. However, it is more commonly used metaphorically to refer to the personal belongings or sentimental items that people often keep in this drawer, especially unmarried women. In this context, it is often associated with the idea of anticipation and preparation for marriage.

   Historically, an unmarried woman would collect and save personal items, such as clothing, linens, and other household items, in her bottom drawer in anticipation of setting up her own household once she got married. This tradition stems from a time when families would provide dowries for their unmarried daughters, consisting of items needed to establish a household.

   In a symbolic sense, the bottom drawer represents hope, dreams, and aspirations for a future marriage and family life. It can also be seen as a reminder of the values and traditions passed down through generations. Additionally, it may serve as a source of comfort or nostalgia, holding cherished mementos from one's past.

   Today, the concept of the bottom drawer has evolved beyond its literal meaning. It now encompasses a broader definition, referring to any collection of personal belongings, aspirations, or plans that are carefully curated and preserved for future use or reference. It can be seen as a symbol of personal growth, self-discovery, and the anticipation of significant life events.

Common Misspellings for BOTTOM DRAWER

• vottom drawer
• nottom drawer
• hottom drawer
• gottom drawer
• bittom drawer
• bkttom drawer
• blttom drawer
• bpttom drawer
• b0ttom drawer
• b9ttom drawer
• bortom drawer
• boftom drawer
• bogtom drawer
• boytom drawer
• bo6tom drawer
• bo5tom drawer
• botrom drawer
• botfom drawer
• botgom drawer
• botyom drawer

Etymology of BOTTOM DRAWER

The etymology of the phrase "bottom drawer" can be traced back to a longstanding tradition in British and Irish culture. In the past, it was customary for unmarried women to collect household items, such as linen, crockery, cutlery, and other useful items, in preparation for marriage. These items were often stored in a bottom drawer of a chest or dresser.

The act of collecting and storing these items in the bottom drawer became symbolic of a woman's aspirations and hopes for a future marriage. It was believed that when a young woman started collecting items for her bottom drawer, she was actively preparing for her future role as a wife.

Over time, the phrase "bottom drawer" became associated with the concept of a young woman's trousseau or wedding dowry.

Idioms with the word BOTTOM DRAWER

• bottom drawer The idiom "bottom drawer" refers to items, particularly clothing and other personal possessions, that are stored away and saved for future use, often with sentimental value attached.
• sb's bottom drawer "SB's bottom drawer" is an idiom that refers to something that is hidden or kept secret, usually referring to personal items or information that a person keeps in a drawer out of sight. It can also refer to something that is kept for future use or as a backup plan.

Plural form of BOTTOM DRAWER is BOTTOM DRAWERS