Leisure suit is a two-word compound noun that refers to a casual suit worn for leisure activities. Its pronunciation is /ˈlɛʒər suːt/. Broken down phonetically, "leisure" is pronounced as /ˈlɛʒər/ and "suit" is pronounced as /suːt/. The "e" in "leisure" is pronounced like the "e" in "let", while the "u" in "suit" is pronounced as the "oo" sound in "boot". When combined, the stress falls on the first syllable, making it "LE-zhur suit".
A leisure suit is a type of clothing mainly worn by men for casual and leisure activities. Typically consisting of a matching shirt and trousers, the leisure suit is characterized by its loose and relaxed fit. It emerged in the 1970s as a fashionable casual alternative to formal wear, particularly suited for social gatherings, weekends, or vacationing. The shirt, often made of synthetic fabric, is usually button-up and may feature bold patterns or vibrant colors, reflecting the flamboyant fashion trends of the era. The trousers are typically high-waisted and flared, offering a comfortable fit with a retro aesthetic.
The leisure suit gained popularity during the disco era, when it became synonymous with relaxed, carefree, and trendy attire. Its association with the discotheque culture further propelled its widespread adoption. However, as fashion tastes evolved, the leisure suit fell out of favor by the 1980s, being widely regarded as outdated and visually excessive.
Today, the term "leisure suit" is often used in a nostalgic or humorous context, referencing the fashion trends of the past. It serves as a reminder of a particular era where bold and boisterous fashion choices were embraced. While its popularity may have waned, the leisure suit remains an iconic representation of 1970s fashion and a symbol of a distinct style period in history.
The word "leisure suit" has an interesting etymology.
The term "leisure suit" itself originated in the 1970s and referred to a type of casual men's suit that gained popularity during that time. However, the individual words "leisure" and "suit" have separate etymologies.
The word "leisure" comes from the Old French term "leisir", meaning "permission" or "free time". It eventually evolved in Middle English to mean "freedom from occupation" or "opportunity for ease and relaxation". The concept of leisure became associated with the idea of having spare time for enjoyable activities.
On the other hand, the word "suit" has a broader etymology. It can be traced back to the Latin word "sequi", meaning "to follow". In its earliest form, "suit" referred to a set of clothes, often matching or coordinated, worn together.