How Do You Spell SKIVVIES?

Pronunciation: [skˈɪvɪz] (IPA)

The word "skivvies" is often used to refer to men's underwear. Its spelling may seem a bit odd, but it makes sense when considering its pronunciation. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word would be spelled /ˈskɪviz/. The "v" sound replaces the letter "u" in the word "undies", which makes up the second half of the word. The first half of the word, "skiv", is of uncertain origin but likely comes from a slang term for a menial laborer. Together, they form the quirky spelling of "skivvies".

SKIVVIES Meaning and Definition

1. Skivvies is a noun that primarily refers to underwear, particularly men's underpants or briefs. It is a casual and colloquial term mainly used in North America and the United Kingdom. Skivvies are typically made of lightweight and comfortable materials, such as cotton or silk, and are meant to be worn underneath clothing to provide support and protection.

   The term "skivvies" can also be used to encompass other types of undergarments, such as undershirts or vests. It may not be limited to men's underwear but can also include women's undergarments as well. However, in its most common usage, skivvies typically indicate men's underpants.

   The origins of the term "skivvies" can be traced back to the British military in the late 19th century. It originally referred to a servant or laborer who performed menial tasks, often including washing clothes. Over time, the term evolved to specifically denote the undergarments worn by these individuals. Today, skivvies are a widely recognized term for men's underwear, known for its easy and informal usage.

   In popular culture, skivvies are often referenced in comedic or lighthearted contexts, highlighting their association with intimate and personal clothing. However, it is important to note that the term may not be used in formal or professional settings, where more specific and proper terminology is expected.

Top Common Misspellings for SKIVVIES *

• skivies 100%

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for SKIVVIES

• akivvies
• zkivvies
• xkivvies
• dkivvies
• ekivvies
• wkivvies
• sjivvies
• smivvies
• slivvies
• soivvies
• skibvies
• skeevies

Etymology of SKIVVIES

The word "skivvies" is derived from the slang term "skive", which originated in the early 20th century. "Skive" initially referred to a low-ranking sailor or marine who performed menial tasks on a ship. Over time, the term evolved to specifically describe the undergarments worn by sailors. Eventually, "skivvies" became more broadly used to refer to men's briefs or underwear in general. The precise origin of "skive" is unclear, but it is believed to be of unknown origin, possibly derived from a combination of various British naval slang terms.