How Do You Spell MAE WEST?

Pronunciation: [mˈiː wˈɛst] (IPA)

The spelling of Mae West can be tricky due to the unique sound of the "ae" combination. In IPA, it is pronounced as /meɪ wɛst/. This is a diphthong, which means the vowel sound changes in the middle of the syllable. The "ae" is pronounced like "ay" as in "hay", while the "e" at the end is pronounced closer to "eh" as in "let". Therefore, to correctly spell and pronounce "Mae West", one must remember the unique sound of the "ae" diphthong.

MAE WEST Meaning and Definition

1. Mae West refers to a phrase or colloquial term that primarily designates an iconic American actress, singer, and sex symbol of the early 20th century named Mary Jane West. Born on August 17, 1893, in Brooklyn, New York, Mae West gained fame and notoriety for her distinct persona, wit, and provocative performances in both film and theater. She is particularly renowned for her often sassy, quick-witted, and innuendo-laden dialogue that challenged societal norms of the era.

   Furthermore, "Mae West" has been adopted as a noun, often in popular culture, to describe a type of exaggerated hourglass figure, characterized by a voluptuous bust, very narrow waist, and ample curves. This term is commonly used to designate a body shape that accentuates a woman's bust and hips while cinching in the waist to create an exaggeratedly curvaceous silhouette.

   The phrase "Mae West" also harbors secondary meanings in different fields. In pyrotechnics, it alludes to a type of life preserver or buoyant jacket, oftentimes in the shape of a tube or ring, used to provide flotation support in water emergencies. In aviation, "Mae West" is sometimes referred to as a slang term indicating a parachute and can be associated with safety equipment and emergency procedures.

   Additionally, "Mae West" can be used metaphorically to signal an audacious, self-assured, and vibrant personality, often attributed to the characteristics exhibited by the actress and her popularized image. It is commonly employed to convey confidence and a fearless attitude, and may be used to describe a person who is unapologetically bold and astute in their interactions and mannerisms.

Common Misspellings for MAE WEST

• mae wesg
• mae wes

Etymology of MAE WEST

The term "Mae West" has multiple origins, each with its own meaning. The most common etymology of "Mae West" refers to the American actress and sex symbol, Mary Jane "Mae" West (1893-1980), who gained popularity in the early to mid-20th century. She became known for her provocative and seductively glamorous persona.

In addition to referring to the actress, "Mae West" also has other meanings. One of them is an informal term used to describe a type of inflatable life jacket or life vest. The name was given to this safety device due to its resemblance to the exaggerated hourglass figure that Mae West was famous for. The term originated during World War II when the Royal Air Force in the United Kingdom began using such life jackets.

Furthermore, "Mae West" is also known as rhyming slang used in British English.

Plural form of MAE WEST is MAE WESTS