What does knicker mean?
The term 'knicker' primarily refers to a type of women's underwear, commonly known as panties or briefs, particularly in British English. It can also describe a stifled laugh or snort, often used to express amusement in a restrained manner. The word is mainly used in informal contexts and is a part of everyday vocabulary in the UK. Understanding the nuances of 'knicker' can help in grasping regional differences in English language usage, especially regarding colloquial terms for clothing and expressions of laughter.
A type of women's underwear.
"She bought a new set of knickers."
Refers to women's undergarments in British English.
To stifle a laugh or make a snorting sound.
"He knickered at the joke."
Used to describe a restrained or stifled laugh.
Used for multiple pairs or types of underwear.
"She has a collection of colorful knickers."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of knicker
The word 'knicker' is believed to have originated from the 17th-century term 'knick', which referred to a type of fabric or a small piece of cloth. It is also related to 'knickerbocker', a term used to describe a type of loose-fitting breeches. The connection to laughter or snorting is thought to have developed from the sound associated with stifling a laugh.
Usage notes
In British English, 'knickers' is a common term for women's underwear. The word can also refer to a stifled laugh or snort.