nylons
B2Everyday, somewhat dated. Can be formal (in clothing contexts) or informal/jargon (in business/fashion).
Definition
Meaning
A pair of stockings made from nylon, a synthetic material.
Women's sheer legwear, typically worn in professional or formal settings. Can metonymically refer to a woman's professional attire or appearance.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Predominantly used in the plural form. The singular 'nylon' refers to the material, not the garment. The term was far more common in the mid-20th century; 'tights' or 'pantyhose' are now more frequently used for similar garments.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In both varieties, 'nylons' is understood. The term is slightly more dated in AmE, where 'pantyhose' is the more common modern term for a one-piece garment. In BrE, 'tights' (opaque or sheer) is a very common superordinate term.
Connotations
In both, it can evoke a mid-20th century aesthetic or a formal/professional dress code. May carry connotations of traditional femininity or office wear.
Frequency
Low-to-medium frequency in both, largely dependent on context (e.g., fashion history, period dramas, specific dress codes). More frequent in written descriptions than in casual spoken language.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
wear + nylonsput on + nylonshave on + nylonsa pair of + nylonsVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for 'nylons' specifically]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Part of a formal or corporate dress code (e.g., 'The dress code requires a skirt suit and nylons.').
Academic
Rare, except in historical, sociological, or fashion studies contexts discussing 20th-century dress.
Everyday
Used when discussing clothing, shopping for legwear, or describing a formal outfit.
Technical
In textiles or fashion manufacturing, referring to a type of hosiery product.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- A nylon-clad leg appeared.
American English
- She preferred the nylon feel over silk.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- She bought new nylons.
- For the interview, she wore a black skirt and sheer nylons.
- The vintage dress looked perfect with seamed nylons and heels.
- The corporate culture's unspoken rule about wearing nylons felt increasingly anachronistic to her.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
NYLons – 'NY' like New York, a city of fashion, plus 'LONg' stockings for your legs.
Conceptual Metaphor
NYLONS ARE A LAYER/SKIN (e.g., 'sheathed in nylons'), NYLONS ARE FORMALITY/PROFESSIONALISM.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as 'нейлон' (the material). Use 'нейлоновые колготки/чулки'.
- Do not use the singular form 'nylon' for the garment. It is always plural 'nylons' for stockings.
Common Mistakes
- Using the singular 'nylon' to mean stockings (incorrect).
- Confusing 'nylons' (stockings) with 'tights' (one-piece, covers feet to waist).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most accurate description of 'nylons' in modern English?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a plural noun. You say 'these nylons are...' or 'a pair of nylons'.
Traditionally, 'nylons' or 'stockings' are two separate pieces for each leg, held up by a garter belt. 'Tights' (BrE) or 'pantyhose' (AmE) are a single garment covering from the waist to the feet.
It is somewhat dated, as it peaked in usage in the mid-20th century. It is still understood and used, particularly in specific contexts like fashion or formal dress codes, but 'tights' or 'pantyhose' are more common today.
While traditionally marketed to women, items like support stockings or performance legwear made from nylon are unisex. The word 'nylons' itself, however, strongly collocates with women's fashion.