Toggery is a noun which means a collection of clothing, especially for everyday wear. The spelling of the word Toggery can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) phonetic transcription. It is pronounced as /ˈtɒɡəri/. The stress falls on the first syllable "tog". The "g" sound appears twice in the word, which is represented by the grapheme "gg". The letter "y" at the end of the word indicates that it is a noun. Toggery is a slightly uncommon word and is often used in a humorous or playful context.
Toggery is a noun that refers to a shop, store, or establishment where clothing and accessories are sold, or the merchandise found within such a place. It specifically denotes a store that offers a wide range of clothing options, typically for men, often featuring fashionable or stylish items.
This term originated in the early 19th century from the word "toggeryman," which was a slang term for a person who dealt in clothing. Over time, the word "toggery" evolved to encompass not just the person but also the place where they conducted their business.
In contemporary usage, toggery can be used to describe any type of clothing store, ranging from high-end boutiques to more casual, budget-friendly shops. It may also be used to refer to the inventory of a store, which can include a variety of clothing styles, such as suits, shirts, pants, formal wear, or accessories like ties, belts, or shoes.
The term toggery is commonly associated with men’s clothing, as it finds its roots in the historical need for specific stores catering to men's fashion. However, it can also be used to describe clothing establishments that offer options for all genders. In essence, toggery can be understood as a versatile term for a place or collection of items intended for the sale of fashionable clothing and accessories.
In familiar language, clothes; garments; articles.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "toggery" is derived from the Middle English word "toger" or "togger", which originated from the Old English word "togian". The Old English word "togian" meant "to put on" or "to dress oneself". Over time, "togian" evolved into "toger" or "togger", referring to clothing or apparel. Eventually, "toggery" emerged in the 18th century as a noun, referring to a place where clothes are sold or a collection of clothing. Today, "toggery" typically refers to a shop that sells men's clothing, particularly casual or work clothing.