String bikini (strɪŋ bɪˈkiːni) is a type of swimwear that consists of a tiny triangular top and minimal coverage bottoms held together with strings. The spelling of "string bikini" follows standard English spelling rules, with the word "string" being spelled with the letters s-t-r-i-n-g, and "bikini" spelled with the letters b-i-k-i-n-i. The phonetic transcription of "string bikini" is strɪŋ bɪˈkiːni, with stress falling on the second syllable of each word.
A string bikini refers to a type of women's swimwear that typically consists of a very minimal amount of fabric, providing minimal coverage of the body. The term "string" is used to describe the thin, delicate strings or straps that hold the bikini together, both at the top and bottom.
A string bikini typically features a triangular-shaped top that covers the breasts, with two string ties around the neck and two around the back to secure it in place. The bottom piece of the bikini, similarly constructed, consists of a small triangle of fabric to cover the genital area, with thin strings or straps attached to both sides, fastened by tying. These strings often sit low on the hips and can be adjusted, allowing for a customized fit.
The purpose of a string bikini is to maximize exposure of the body, highlighting the wearer's figure and emphasizing a sense of freedom and minimalism. It is a popular choice for sunbathing and beach activities due to its revealing design, as it exposes a significant amount of skin.
String bikinis are associated with notions of fashion, beauty, and sexuality, often evoking feelings of confidence and empowerment. While commonly worn as swimwear, they can also be seen in various contexts, such as fashion shows, magazine spreads, and beach-themed advertisements.
The term "string bikini" originated from the combination of two separate words: "string" and "bikini".
The word "string" comes from the Old English word "streng" meaning "cord" or "rope", ultimately derived from the Proto-Germanic word "strangiz". Over time, it evolved to also refer to thin, slender objects, such as a string of beads or a thin line.
On the other hand, "bikini" refers to a type of two-piece women's swimsuit. It was named after the Bikini Atoll, a group of islands in the Pacific Ocean where atomic bomb tests were conducted by the United States in 1946. The bikini was designed to be small, revealing, and daring, reflecting the explosive nature of the nuclear tests.