IN CIVVIES Meaning and
Definition
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The term "in civvies" refers to the state or condition of being dressed in civilian clothing, as opposed to wearing a uniform or formal attire. The word "civvies" itself is a colloquial abbreviated form of "civilian clothes," often used in informal contexts.
When someone is described as being "in civvies," it means that they are not wearing the prescribed attire for a specific role or occupation. This can particularly apply to individuals who are typically associated with a uniform, such as members of the military, police officers, or personnel in other uniformed services.
The phrase is often used to indicate a departure from the norm or a relaxation of formalities. For example, when military personnel are off-duty or on leave, they may choose to wear their own civilian clothes, termed as being "in civvies." Similarly, individuals employed in formal sectors, like corporate or professional environments, may describe their more casual clothing on days when they are not required to wear specific work uniforms as being "in civvies."
The term "in civvies" carries a connotation of informality and a break from usual duties or commitments, reflecting a non-professional appearance or state of being. It highlights a transition from a role that is defined by a specific dress code to a more relaxed, personal style of clothing often associated with free time or leisure.
Common Misspellings for IN CIVVIES
- un civvies
- jn civvies
- kn civvies
- on civvies
- 9n civvies
- 8n civvies
- ib civvies
- im civvies
- ij civvies
- ih civvies
- in xivvies
- in vivvies
- in fivvies
- in divvies
- in cuvvies
- in cjvvies
- in ckvvies
- in covvies
- in c9vvies
- in c8vvies
Etymology of IN CIVVIES
The phrase "in civvies" is derived from the word "civvies", which is abbreviated slang for "civilian clothing". It originated in the military, particularly within the British armed forces, to distinguish between the standard-issue military uniform and civilian attire.
The term "civvies" first appeared in the mid-19th century and was used to refer to clothes worn by non-military or non-uniformed individuals. It evolved as a shortened form of the word "civilian", which generally means someone not involved in military or government service.
The usage of "in civvies" to describe someone out of uniform, particularly in a military context, came into common use during the 20th century. Today, the phrase is widely understood as referring to someone who is not wearing a uniform, whether they are military personnel, police officers, or individuals belonging to other organizations with prescribed attire.
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