bikini
B1Informal to Neutral. Common in everyday and fashion contexts, less common in formal academic writing.
Definition
Meaning
A two-piece swimsuit for women, consisting of a bra top and briefs.
Any item of clothing or style that is revealing or minimal in nature; metaphorically, a very small amount or area (e.g., a 'bikini wax').
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a noun. The term often connotes leisure, beach culture, fashion, and body display. It can be used attributively (e.g., bikini top, bikini line).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in the core meaning or usage. The item is universally recognised.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries associations with summer, holidays, and body confidence. In more conservative social contexts, it may still carry a slight connotation of daring or provocation.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both varieties during relevant contexts (fashion, travel, summer).
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
She wore [a bikini].They sell [bikinis].The shop specialises in [bikinis].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Bikini line (the area of skin around a bikini bottom)”
- “Bikini wax (a cosmetic hair removal procedure)”
- “Bikini-ready (physically prepared to wear a bikini)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in retail, fashion, and tourism marketing (e.g., 'Our summer collection features new bikini designs').
Academic
Rare, except in cultural studies, gender studies, or fashion history contexts discussing beachwear and body politics.
Everyday
Extremely common in conversations about holidays, shopping, or summer activities.
Technical
Not typically used in technical contexts outside of specific fashion or textile manufacturing.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- (No standard verb use)
American English
- (No standard verb use)
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverb use)
American English
- (No standard adverb use)
adjective
British English
- She had a bikini wax before her holiday.
- The model posed for a bikini shoot.
American English
- She got a bikini wax before her vacation.
- The actress did a bikini photoshoot for the magazine.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I bought a new bikini for the beach.
- She is wearing a red bikini.
- Finding a bikini that fits well can be difficult.
- They spent the afternoon by the pool in their bikinis.
- The fashion show featured an array of innovative bikini designs from sustainable materials.
- Her confidence soared after she finally felt comfortable in a bikini.
- The documentary explored the socio-cultural impact of the bikini's introduction in the mid-20th century.
- Advertisements often promote an unrealistic 'bikini body' ideal.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'bi-' meaning two, and 'kini' sounding like 'teeny'. A bikini is two very small pieces.
Conceptual Metaphor
MINIMALISM IS A BIKINI (e.g., 'a bikini budget' meaning a very small budget), REVEALING IS A BIKINI (e.g., 'bikini-clad facts').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid directly translating phrases like 'bikini zone' from Russian marketing English; 'bikini line' is the standard term.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'bikini' to refer to men's swimming trunks (incorrect).
- Misspelling as 'bikinni' or 'bikiny'.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'to bikini' is non-standard).
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'bikini line'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Traditionally, yes. While there are male-inspired fashion items sometimes called 'mankinis', the standard term 'bikini' refers to women's two-piece swimwear.
A bikini has a bra-style top and separate briefs. A tankini has a tank-top style upper piece (longer, covering the midriff) with separate bottoms.
It is named after Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands, where the US conducted nuclear tests in 1946. The name was chosen for the swimsuit to suggest an 'explosive' impact on fashion and society.
It is acceptable in formal writing when discussing the item specifically in historical, cultural, or fashion contexts. In most other formal contexts (e.g., scientific reports), it would be inappropriate.
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