What does petticoat mean?
A petticoat is a skirt-like undergarment traditionally worn by women and girls beneath a dress. In modern English, the word is most often encountered in descriptions of historical dress, although it remains clear and precise when referring to that garment. It also has a figurative political meaning: “petticoat government” describes a system in which a ruler or minister is supposedly influenced by women, especially a wife, mistress, or female relative. The expression “petticoat diplomacy” similarly refers to political maneuvering conducted through personal or private influence. These figurative uses are now old-fashioned and can sound dismissive or sexist when applied to women exercising political power. The word is worth knowing because it links an everyday article of clothing with a long history of political vocabulary about private influence and concealed authority.
A woman’s or girl’s skirt-like undergarment, worn beneath a dress.
"A white petticoat showed beneath the blue silk dress."
Chiefly historical or descriptive of traditional clothing.
Political influence exercised indirectly through women or through the wives and mistresses of political leaders.
"The administration was accused of being controlled by petticoat influence."
A dated, generally disparaging political metaphor.
The plural is used for the garments and, in figurative political contexts, for instances of indirect influence.
"The museum displays several petticoats from the eighteenth century."
From a modest undergarment to the idea that powerful women might rule from behind the scenes, a petticoat has carried both clothing and political associations.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does petticoat come from?
The word comes through Middle English from an Anglo-French or Old French form associated with a small or under-skirt. Its development reflects the garment’s former use as a visible lower layer beneath women’s dresses. The modern English form became established as clothing terminology, while the political senses developed later from the idea of women influencing powerful men from behind the scenes. The historical spelling “peticote” preserves evidence of its French connection.
How petticoat is actually used
As a garment term, petticoat is now chiefly historical, formal, or used when describing traditional clothing. The political senses are dated and generally carry the implication of indirect or behind-the-scenes influence.
Easily confused with petticoat
A petticoat is an undergarment worn beneath an outer skirt or dress, whereas a skirt is the outer garment itself.