How Do You Spell SHIRTTAIL?

Pronunciation: [ʃˈɜːte͡ɪl] (IPA)

Shirttail, spelled /ˈʃərtˌteɪl/, is a noun that refers to the part of a shirt that hangs below the waist. The word is composed of two syllables: "shirt" and "tail", and is pronounced with stress on the first syllable. The initial "sh" sound is followed by the vowel sound /ə/, then the consonant sound /r/, and finally the vowel sound /t/. The second syllable consists of the vowel sound /eɪ/ followed by the consonant sound /l/. Proper spelling of shirttail is essential to avoid confusion with similar words such as "short-tail".

SHIRTTAIL Meaning and Definition

  1. A "shirttail" is a noun referring to the bottom or back part of a shirt or a similar garment. It is the portion of a shirt that extends below the waist, typically covering the hips, abdomen, or buttocks of the wearer. Also known as a shirt hem, it is often made slightly longer at the back to ensure it stays tucked in when worn. The purpose of the shirttail is primarily functional, as it helps keep the shirt in place and prevents it from coming untucked during movement or activities.

    Shirttails are usually made of the same fabric as the rest of the shirt and have a finished edge, often stitched or hemmed, to prevent fraying or unravelling. They can vary in length and style depending on the design of the shirt. Some shirttails are straight across the bottom, while others have a slightly rounded or curved shape. Additionally, shirttails can feature vents or slits on the sides to provide more freedom of movement, especially in formal or dress shirts.

    In fashion, the shirttail has also become a style element and can be intentionally exposed or elongated beyond the standard length for a more casual or trendy look. This extension of the shirttail has become common in certain styles of tops, including high-low or asymmetrical hemlines, where the back or sides of the shirt are notably longer than the front, adding a unique touch to the overall appearance.

Common Misspellings for SHIRTTAIL

Etymology of SHIRTTAIL

The word "shirttail" is derived from two separate words: "shirt" and "tail".

The word "shirt" can be traced back to the Old English word "scyrte", which meant a loose-fitting garment worn by men and women. It eventually evolved into the Middle English word "shirt" with the same meaning. The word "shirt" itself has Germanic roots, possibly originating from the Proto-Germanic word "*skurtjon", which refers to a short garment.

The word "tail" comes from the Old English word "tægl", which means the back part of an animal. This word is also related to the Middle English word "tayl", which still referred to the same concept.

When combined, the two words "shirt" and "tail" give us "shirttail", which specifically refers to the lower part or hem of a shirt that extends beyond the wearer's waist.

Similar spelling words for SHIRTTAIL

Plural form of SHIRTTAIL is SHIRTTAILS

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