The spelling of the word "pageboys" is not always intuitive, as it contains two sounds that are pronounced differently than their spelling suggests. The word is pronounced /ˈpeɪdʒbɔɪz/, with the "ay" sound pronounced as a long "a," and the "oys" sound pronounced as "oyz." This can make it difficult for some people to remember the correct spelling. "Pageboys" is the plural form of "pageboy," which refers to a type of hairstyle characterized by a straight, blunt cut that is sometimes worn by young boys.
Pageboys refers to a traditional hairstyle that became popular during the 1950s and 1960s. The term specifically describes a short haircut for women or girls, characterized by a blunt cut and a straight, even fringe that reaches just above or below the eyebrows. The rest of the hair is typically cut to the same length as the fringe, forming a neatly symmetrical and slightly rounded shape around the head. This style is often achieved by using a bobbed cut as a base and adding a straight fringe.
The origins of the pageboy hairstyle can be traced back to the medieval era, where young male servants or attendants known as "page boys" would wear their hair in a similar manner, typically styled with a center parting. Over time, the style transitioned from being predominantly associated with male figures to becoming a popular choice for women, eventually attaining mainstream popularity in the mid-20th century.
The pageboy hairstyle is often considered a classic and timeless look, exuding a sense of elegance, sophistication, and femininity. It has also experienced periodic resurgences in popularity throughout the decades due to its versatility and adaptability. Additionally, pageboys can be seen as a low-maintenance haircut, as it doesn't require excessive styling or daily touch-ups. Its simplicity and sleekness make it suitable for various occasions, both formal and casual, and it complements different face shapes and hair textures.
The word "pageboys" is derived from the combination of two words: "page" and "boy".
The term "page" dates back to the 14th century and originally referred to a young boy who served as an attendant to a knight, nobleman, or a person of high rank. The word "page" itself comes from the Old French word "page", which traces its roots to the Latin word "pagina", meaning "a serving boy" or "a page in a book". The concept of a page as a young servant developed during medieval times, and pages were typically responsible for tasks such as running errands, delivering messages, caring for horses, and assisting their masters in various duties.
The word "boy" comes from the Old English word "cniht", which means "servant" or "youth".