The spelling of "high waters" can be tricky due to the interchangeable use of the homophones "waist" and "waste" in spoken English. In IPA phonetic transcription, "high" is spelled /haɪ/ which represents the diphthong vowel sound in "aye". "Waters" is spelled /ˈwɔːtəz/ which represents the long vowel sound in "or" followed by the unvoiced "t" and "s" sounds. Together, the word is pronounced /haɪ ˈwɔːtəz/ with equal emphasis on both syllables.
High waters refers to a type of clothing, specifically pants or trousers, that fall well above the normal length, leaving the ankles partially or fully exposed. It is typically used to describe pants that are notably shorter than they should be, often due to being worn by a person who is taller or longer-legged than the garment was designed for. High waters can sometimes create an unintentionally comical or awkward appearance, as they do not reach the desired length and appear too small in proportion to the wearer's body.
This term can be used in various contexts, including casual or formal attire. High waters are often considered a fashion faux pas, as they were not intended to be worn in such a style. However, some individuals deliberately choose to wear high waters as a personal fashion statement, expressing a unique or alternative sense of style.
The term "high waters" is derived from the idea that the pants appear as if one was wearing them during a flood or rising water scenario, hence being pulled up to keep them from getting wet. Despite their less conventional length, high waters can be found in different fabrics, patterns, and colors, offering a range of options for those who prefer this distinct style or simply want to experiment with different fashion trends.
The word "high waters" is an American English expression used to describe pants or trousers that are intentionally cropped above the ankle, so that they appear shorter than usual. This style is often associated with the 1950s, where young people would roll up their trousers to avoid getting them wet while walking through flooded streets.
The term "high waters" is a metaphorical description that likens cropped trousers to pants that would be worn in a situation where the water level has risen, such as during a flood. The word "high" refers to the water level being elevated, and "waters" refers to the flooded areas. Over time, the phrase "high waters" became popularized in the fashion industry to describe this style of shortened trousers.