How Do You Spell PETTICOATS?

Pronunciation: [pˈɛtɪkˌə͡ʊts] (IPA)

The word "petticoats" is commonly misspelled due to the inconsistent pronunciation of the letters "oa". In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is spelled /ˈpɛtɪkoʊts/. The "e" sound is pronounced first followed by the "t" sound. The "i" is pronounced like "ih" and the "o" is pronounced like "oh". The second "o" is pronounced as "ow" while the final "ts" is pronounced as "ts". Remembering these sounds and their sequence can help ensure the correct spelling of "petticoats".

PETTICOATS Meaning and Definition

1. Petticoats refer to a type of undergarment worn by women, primarily during the 16th to the 19th centuries. The term is derived from the combination of the words "petty" and "coat." Essentially, petticoats can be described as an underskirt made of various fabrics, such as linen, cotton, or silk, that is worn underneath a woman's outer clothing.

   Petticoats serve multiple purposes. Initially, they were worn to provide additional warmth and to protect the delicate outer garments from dirt and sweat. However, over time, petticoats evolved to serve a more fashionable purpose, emphasizing the desired shape and silhouette of a woman's dress. By adding volume and structure, petticoats helped achieve a desired fullness in the skirt, contributing to the overall elegance and style of women's clothing during different historical periods.

   Petticoats varied in design and complexity, with some featuring layers of ruffles, lace, or decorative trims. The number of petticoats worn at a time also varied, depending on the desired effect. While some women wore a single petticoat, others would layer several, creating a more voluminous look.

   Although not as commonly worn in modern times, petticoats still hold significance in historical and period attire. These undergarments have been preserved in museums and historical reenactments, contributing to a deeper understanding of fashion and society throughout different eras of women's history.

Common Misspellings for PETTICOATS

• peticoat
• pettycoat
• petticoate
• peticoats
• petticote
• Petticaphs
• petticoes

Etymology of PETTICOATS

The word "petticoats" originated from the combination of two words: "petty" and "coat".

The term "petty" stems from the Old French word "petit", meaning "small" or "little". It was used in English to describe something of low importance or significance. In this context, "petty" referred to the undergarments worn by women.

The word "coat" originally referred to a garment worn over other clothing. In the case of women's undergarments, a "coat" was used to describe a separate garment worn underneath the outer clothing.

Over time, the two terms merged, creating "petticoat" to refer specifically to the underskirt or underslip worn by women. Petticoats were typically made of lightweight fabric and worn to add volume and shape to the skirts and dresses on top.

Similar spelling words for PETTICOATS

• petticoat,
• petticoated.