pedal pushers: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, dated
Quick answer
What does “pedal pushers” mean?
A style of women's trousers that end at mid-calf.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A style of women's trousers that end at mid-calf.
A term for capri pants or calf-length trousers, originally designed for women to wear while cycling. Can also be used as a slang term for a cyclist.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More commonly used in American English for the clothing item. In British English, 'capri pants' or 'three-quarter length trousers' are more frequent modern terms.
Connotations
In both varieties, the term sounds old-fashioned. In the US, it may evoke a specific retro style; in the UK, it may be less immediately recognized by younger speakers.
Frequency
Uncommon in contemporary speech in both varieties, but retains higher recognition in AmE due to its place in mid-century American fashion history.
Grammar
How to Use “pedal pushers” in a Sentence
She wore [a pair of] pedal pushers.The store sells vintage pedal pushers.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “pedal pushers” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- She had a pedal-pusher look.
American English
- The pedal-pusher style is making a comeback.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in historical fashion retail or vintage clothing businesses.
Academic
Used in historical, cultural, or fashion studies discussing 20th-century attire.
Everyday
Understood by older generations; may require explanation for younger speakers.
Technical
Not a technical term in cycling; the clothing term belongs to fashion lexicon.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “pedal pushers”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pedal pushers”
- Using it to refer to any shorts or cycling shorts. Confusing it with 'paddle pushers' (a different item).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Essentially yes, though 'pedal pushers' is the older, more specific term from the mid-20th century, while 'capris' is the modern term.
Historically, the term was for women's fashion. Today, similar men's garments are usually called 'cropped trousers' or 'clamdiggers'.
Rarely. It can be slang for a cyclist, but this usage is very dated and uncommon compared to 'cyclist' or 'biker'.
They were designed to be a practical length for women to ride bicycles without their trousers getting caught in the chain.
A style of women's trousers that end at mid-calf.
Pedal pushers is usually informal, dated in register.
Pedal pushers: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpedl ˌpʊʃəz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpedl ˌpʊʃərz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of someone PUSHing the PEDALs of a bike while wearing pants that PUSH up to the calf.
Conceptual Metaphor
FUNCTION FOR FORM (The activity 'pushing pedals' gives its name to the clothing suitable for it).
Practice
Quiz
What are 'pedal pushers' primarily known as?