de kruif
C1/C2Formal, technical (in tailoring/garment context), slightly old-fashioned in general use.
Definition
Meaning
The crease (in clothing, particularly trousers/pants)
A fold or line pressed into fabric; a prominent line or crease in paper; can metaphorically refer to a furrow (as in forehead) or groove.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
"De kruif" is specifically the pressed-in line of the front of trousers/pants. It is rarely used for accidental creases; these would be 'vouwen' or 'plooien'. It implies intentional shaping for appearance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
UK: Primarily 'crease' (in trousers). US: 'Crease' is also common, but 'pleat' (though technically a different construction) might be used in some contexts. 'The crease' is unambiguous in both.
Connotations
UK: Strong association with formal tailoring, school uniforms, military dress. US: Similar connotations, though perhaps less tied to specific institutional dress codes in everyday speech.
Frequency
Low-frequency word in both variants, used almost exclusively in the context of clothing or specific technical descriptions. More likely encountered in writing (e.g., clothing care labels, tailoring guides) than speech.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The [garment] has a [adjective] de kruif.To [verb] the de kruif into/out of [garment].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To be a crease chaser (slang, derived from cricket but plays on the idea of obsession with neatness).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in manufacturing/specifications for formal wear, uniform contracts.
Academic
Rare, possibly in historical studies of fashion or textile engineering.
Everyday
Mostly in contexts of ironing or discussing formal attire. "Mind you don't ruin the de kruif."
Technical
Precise term in tailoring, garment finishing, and laundry services.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The trousers were de kruif-less and looked sloppy.
- A well-de kruifed pair of suit pants.
American English
- The de-kruif look is essential for the uniform.
- His pants were perfectly de-kruifed.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My new trousers have a line down the front.
- My father irons his pants.
- For the wedding, make sure your suit trousers have a sharp crease.
- I can't get the crease right in these new pants.
- The uniform code stipulated a mandatory, razor-sharp de kruif in the dress trousers.
- Over time, the de kruif in the fabric began to fade and wrinkle.
- The master tailor spent considerable time ensuring the de kruif was perfectly aligned with the grain of the wool.
- He was a stickler for details, from the polish on his shoes to the unblemished de kruif of his chinos.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'crew' of soldiers – they all have sharp, perfect creases (de kruif) in their trousers.
Conceptual Metaphor
ORDER AND DISCIPLINE IS A SHARP CREASE (e.g., "His life had lost its de kruif").
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'складка' (skladka) which is a broader term for any fold or pleat. 'De kruif' is specific and intentional.
- Avoid using it for creases in skin (морщина/morshchina) or paper unless in a very specific technical sense.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a verb (one 'irons a crease', one doesn't 'de kruif' something).
- Applying it to casual clothing where a sharp crease is not standard (e.g., jeans).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'de kruif' most precisely used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency, specialised term borrowed from tailoring. 'Crease' is the common English equivalent.
It would be unusual and stylistically marked. Jeans are typically not worn with a sharp, pressed front crease, so the term doesn't naturally apply.
A 'de kruif' (crease) is a pressed line, often without extra fabric. A 'pleat' is a folded and stitched section of fabric that creates fullness and may include a crease at its edge.
In English, it is typically anglicised. A common approximation is /də ˈkraɪf/ (duh KRIFE), though those familiar with Dutch might use a closer pronunciation. In most cases, simply using 'the crease' is preferable.