The word "ducktails" spells out as /dʌk.teɪlz/. The consonant "d" sounds like the beginning of the word "dog", followed by the "uh" sound represented by the phoneme /ʌ/. Then comes the "k" sound, followed by the diphthong /eɪ/ which is pronounced like the "ay" in "day". Finally, the letters "tail" spell out the final syllable, pronounced as /teɪlz/. This word refers to a hairstyle where the hair is slicked back on the sides and formed into a point at the back, resembling the tail of a duck.
Ducktails commonly refer to a distinctive hairstyle characterized by a long, slender, and tapered lock of hair at the back of an individual's head. This hairstyle, often associated with the 1950s and 1960s, is named as such due to its resemblance to the tail feathers of a duck. Ducktails typically involve shorter hair on the sides and the front that gradually lengthens towards the back, where it is meticulously styled into a smoothly-shaped, upward and outward pointing tuft.
The term "ducktails" can also refer to a type of men's dress shoes. These shoes are characterized by a raised and pointed decorative feature on the back, resembling the shape of a duck's tail. The raised portion can be crafted from various materials such as leather or suede, and it is often paired with a contrasting color to the rest of the shoe.
Furthermore, outside the realm of hairstyling and footwear, "ducktails" can also allude to a musical project associated with indie rock musician Matthew Mondanile. Ducktails is the stage name under which he releases his solo work, predominantly in the genres of indie pop and psychedelic music. Mondanile's music under the moniker Ducktails showcases his distinctive blend of dreamy melodies, lo-fi atmosphere, and experimental soundscapes.
The word "ducktails" has its origins in the English language, specifically in reference to a hairstyle. The term is derived from the resemblance of the hairstyle to the tail feathers of a duck, which are famously pointed and stick out. "Ducktail" refers to a hairstyle where the hair on the sides is combed back and tapered, while the hair on top is styled into a ridge or a point at the back of the head. It gained popularity in the 1950s and became associated with the rebellious youth culture of the time, including rock and roll enthusiasts.