half-slip
C1Formal, somewhat dated
Definition
Meaning
A women's undergarment, a short or waist-length slip worn under a skirt.
Specifically refers to a slip that covers the lower half of the body from the waist down, as opposed to a full slip that also has a bodice. It is designed to prevent a skirt from clinging and to provide a smooth line.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is specific and descriptive. While 'slip' is the general hypernym, 'half-slip' precisely denotes the garment's coverage. The term is becoming less common as the garment itself is worn less frequently.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is understood in both varieties, but 'petticoat' is a more common generic term in British English, especially for a fuller, often decorative version. 'Half-slip' is more specifically American for a simple, straight underskirt.
Connotations
In American English, it is a neutral, descriptive term for a functional undergarment. In British English, 'petticoat' can sometimes carry more old-fashioned or quaint connotations, while 'half-slip' sounds more modern and functional.
Frequency
Higher frequency in American English. In modern British English, the garment itself is less commonly discussed, and when it is, 'underskirt' or simply 'slip' might be used.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
She wore a [adjective] half-slip under her skirt.The [material] half-slip was comfortable.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specifically for 'half-slip']”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in retail contexts for lingerie and clothing departments.
Academic
Rare, possibly in historical, sociological, or fashion studies discussing clothing and gender.
Everyday
Used when discussing women's clothing and undergarments, though less common in casual conversation today.
Technical
Used in fashion design, pattern-making, and lingerie manufacturing with precise specifications (e.g., 'A-line half-slip').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
American English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
adverb
British English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
American English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- [Not commonly used attributively]
American English
- [Not commonly used attributively]
Examples
By CEFR Level
- She put on her dress.
- For the wedding, she bought a new half-slip to wear under her silk skirt.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of it as a 'slip' that only covers 'half' of you—from the waist down.
Conceptual Metaphor
A LAYER is a BARRIER (against transparency/cling). A GARMENT is a FOUNDATION (for outer clothing).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'половина-скольжение'. The correct equivalent is 'нижняя юбка' (nizhnyaya yubka). 'Комбинация' (kombinatsiya) typically refers to a full slip or slip dress.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'half-slip' to refer to a full slip. Confusing it with 'slip' as in a piece of paper or a mistake. Misspelling as 'halfslip' or 'half slip' (though the hyphenated form is standard).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a half-slip?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. A petticoat is often fuller, sometimes layered or decorative, and can be a standalone underskirt. A half-slip is typically a simple, straight, functional underskirt. In modern American usage, 'half-slip' is more precise.
Yes, but less commonly than in the mid-20th century. They are still worn for specific purposes: under sheer, light-coloured, or clingy fabrics, or to achieve a particular vintage-inspired silhouette.
A half-slip is worn from the waist down. A full slip is a one-piece garment with straps, covering the torso from the shoulders to the hem, worn under dresses.
Traditionally, it is a women's undergarment. There is no common equivalent in standard men's clothing, though historical costumes (like kilts) may use similar foundational garments.