How Do You Spell DUCKTAIL?

Pronunciation: [dˈʌkte͡ɪl] (IPA)

The word "ducktail" is commonly spelled with two T's, but this is not reflected in its pronunciation. In the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), the word is transcribed as /ˈdʌk.teɪl/. This means that the pronunciation comprises of two syllables, the first being "duck" pronounced as /dʌk/ and the second syllable being "tail" pronounced as /teɪl/. The spelling of the word may be attributed to its physical appearance, as the hairstyle resembles the shape of a duck's tail.

DUCKTAIL Meaning and Definition

1. Ducktail, noun:

   1. A hairstyle characterized by short sides and a long, prominent combed-back lock of hair in the center, resembling the shape of a duck's tail. The hair at the back is usually held in place with hair gel or grease, giving it a sleek and shiny appearance. This popular men's hairstyle emerged in the 1950s and was associated with the rockabilly subculture, exuding a rebellious and retro vibe.

   2. A rear-end design element found on certain automobiles, resembling the shape of a duck's tail. The ducktail design is characterized by a raised portion at the back of the automobile, typically extending upwards from the trunk or rear deck lid. This aerodynamic feature is intended to improve the airflow around the vehicle, reducing drag and enhancing stability at high speeds.

   3. A term often used in the field of aviation to refer to an aerodynamic control surface found on the wings of some aircraft. The ducktail, also known as a winglet, is an upward-pointing, vertical extension at the tips of the wings. This design feature helps to reduce the vortex drag created by the wingtips, preventing the generation of strong, turbulent air currents and enhancing overall aircraft performance. The ducktail on wings is particularly beneficial in reducing fuel consumption and increasing efficiency, making it a common feature in modern aircraft design.

Common Misspellings for DUCKTAIL

• quaktail
• duvtail
• tucktail
• tuckteil
• buctail
• tucktayl
• Duiktape

Etymology of DUCKTAIL

The word "ducktail" originated as a term for a particular hairstyle. The hairstyle, also known as a "duck's ass" or simply "DA", became popular in the mid-20th century, particularly among young men. It involves the hair being combed back on the sides and then styled to form a prominent ridge at the back of the head, resembling the tail of a duck.

The etymology of the word "ducktail" is fairly straightforward. The term is a compound word formed by combining "duck", referring to the waterfowl, and "tail", an appendage that extends from the rear of an animal. The name was given to the hairstyle because of the resemblance the styled hair had to the shape and appearance of a duck's tail.

Plural form of DUCKTAIL is DUCKTAILS