peg top: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
lowinformal, historical, specific
Quick answer
What does “peg top” mean?
A type of spinning top, typically made of wood, with a central peg or spindle on which it rotates.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of spinning top, typically made of wood, with a central peg or spindle on which it rotates.
A toy consisting of a rounded or conical body with a pointed end, designed to be spun on its tip; historically, also refers to a style of trousers that are wide at the hips and narrow at the ankles (peg-top trousers).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the term for the toy, but 'peg-top trousers' is more commonly referenced in British historical fashion contexts.
Connotations
Evokes nostalgia for traditional playthings or early 20th-century fashion.
Frequency
Rare in contemporary everyday speech; primarily found in historical or toy-collecting discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “peg top” in a Sentence
spin [a peg top][a peg top] spinswhip [a peg top]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “peg top” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He wore peg-top trousers to the vintage fair.
- The peg-top design was popular in the Edwardian era.
American English
- She found a pair of peg-top pants at the thrift store.
- The peg-top silhouette made a fashion comeback.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Occurs in historical or material culture studies regarding toys or fashion.
Everyday
Used when discussing traditional games or vintage items.
Technical
Used in toy manufacturing or historical costume design.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “peg top”
- Using 'peg top' to refer to any top without a peg mechanism.
- Confusing 'peg top' (noun) with 'top peg' (a different phrase).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, a peg top is a specific type of spinning top, often with a pronounced peg or spindle.
No, 'peg top' is not standardly used as a verb. It functions as a noun or compound adjective (e.g., peg-top trousers).
It is relatively rare and often considered old-fashioned, used mainly in historical or niche contexts.
They are trousers that are cut full at the hips and taper to a narrow ankle, popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
A type of spinning top, typically made of wood, with a central peg or spindle on which it rotates.
Peg top is usually informal, historical, specific in register.
Peg top: in British English it is pronounced /pɛɡ tɒp/, and in American English it is pronounced /pɛɡ tɑːp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “like a peg top”
- “spin like a peg top”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a wooden PEG holding a spinning TOP in place.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTINUOUS SPINNING IS BALANCED LIVELINESS (e.g., 'He was spinning like a peg top' to describe energetic, focused activity).
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'peg top' primarily?