How Do You Spell SHIRTTAILS?

Pronunciation: [ʃˈɜːte͡ɪlz] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "shirttails" is tricky because it involves the combination of multiple consonants and vowels. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /ʃɜrtteɪlz/. The first sound is the "sh" sound, followed by the short "er" sound. The "t" sound is pronounced followed by the long "ay" sound. Lastly, the "l" sound is followed by the "z" sound. "Shirttails" refers to the tails or flaps that hang from the back of a shirt, and its spelling is important for accurate written communication.

SHIRTTAILS Meaning and Definition

1. Shirttails refer to the lower part or the tail-like section of a shirt that hangs down and extends beyond the waistline. Typically found in dress shirts and formal shirts, shirttails are designed to provide comfortable coverage to the torso area while maintaining a neat appearance. The length of the shirttails may vary depending on the style and purpose of the shirt. They are usually longer in dress shirts to ensure a tuck-in option, whereas in casual shirts, the shirttails may be shorter, designed to be worn untucked.

   Shirttails play a significant role in maintaining a polished and presentable appearance. When tucking in a shirt, the shirttails are neatly folded and inserted into the waistband of pants or skirts, thereby creating a streamlined silhouette. This practice is commonly followed in formal and professional settings where a crisp and well-put-together look is desired. On the other hand, shirts with shorter shirttails are meant to be worn untucked, offering a more relaxed and casual style for informal occasions.

   The term "shirttails" is derived from the resemblance of the hanging fabric to the tail of a shirt. The purpose of shirttails goes beyond aesthetics, as they help to keep the shirt in place, preventing it from becoming untucked during movement or while sitting. Additionally, shirttails aid in providing extra warmth and protection to the lower back and waist area, making them a functional element of shirt design.

Etymology of SHIRTTAILS

The word "shirttails" is derived from the combination of two distinct words: "shirt" and "tails".

1. "Shirt": This word comes from the Old English term "scyrte" or "scyrte", which referred to a garment worn by men and women in the Anglo-Saxon period. It can be traced further back to the Old High German word "scurta" and the Old Norse word "skyrta", both meaning "shirt". Over time, the word "shirt" evolved to describe the upper body garment worn by men, usually with sleeves, collars, and buttons.

2. "Tails": In this context, "tails" refers to the extended or elongated part of a garment, typically found at the back.

Similar spelling words for SHIRTTAILS

• shurtliff,
• shortlist,
• shirttail.