giglet: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Rare / Archaic / ObsoleteArchaic / Literary / Dialectal
Quick answer
What does “giglet” mean?
A frivolous, flighty, or flirtatious young woman.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A frivolous, flighty, or flirtatious young woman.
Historically, a lewd or wanton woman; in modern playful or archaic usage, a playful, silly, or giddy girl.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No contemporary difference; both treat it as an obscure archaism. Possibly retained marginally longer in some UK dialects.
Connotations
Archaic; mildly pejorative, implying silliness and loose morals.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both varieties, not part of modern active vocabulary.
Grammar
How to Use “giglet” in a Sentence
{adjective} gigletVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical or literary analysis.
Everyday
Not used in modern conversation.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “giglet”
- Misspelling as 'giglit' or 'gigglet'.
- Using it in a modern, neutral context.
- Assuming it's a variant of 'giggle'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Possibly etymologically, but the connection is not direct or certain. 'Giglet' likely comes from 'gig' (an old word for a frivolous girl) + diminutive '-let'. 'Giggle' is probably imitative in origin.
No, it is historically a specifically feminine term.
It would be very unusual, and most people wouldn't understand it. If understood in its historical sense, it could be considered a dated insult, implying promiscuity or foolishness.
It appears in Shakespeare's 'Twelfth Night' ("What, you negligent giglet! Go") and other plays of the era, typically directed at a female servant.
A frivolous, flighty, or flirtatious young woman.
Giglet is usually archaic / literary / dialectal in register.
Giglet: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡɪɡlɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡɪɡlɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: a GIGgling waiLET – a silly, giggling young woman.
Conceptual Metaphor
FRIVOLITY IS LIGHTNESS / IMMORALITY IS DIRT
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'giglet' be most appropriately used today?