shirttail: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Informal to semi-formal; more common in written journalism and colloquial American English.
Quick answer
What does “shirttail” mean?
The lower part of a shirt, especially the part below the waistband.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The lower part of a shirt, especially the part below the waistband; also used metaphorically to describe a tenuous connection or a small, secondary thing.
Can refer to a brief news item or short editorial column, especially one appended to a longer piece. Also refers to a relative, especially a young child (e.g., 'shirttail cousin').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The metaphorical uses (distant relative, short news item) are predominantly American. The literal clothing part is understood in both varieties but is less commonly used in everyday UK speech.
Connotations
In US, 'shirttail relative' can imply a distant or not-very-important family connection. In journalism, a 'shirttail' is a brief, added note.
Frequency
Markedly more frequent in American English, particularly in journalistic and colloquial contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “shirttail” in a Sentence
[adjective] + shirttailshirttail + [of + noun][verb] + shirttailVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “shirttail” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- He quickly tucked his shirttail back into his trousers after standing up.
- The article had a curious shirttail mentioning a later development.
American English
- My mom's shirttail cousin showed up at the reunion unannounced.
- The columnist added a shirttail about the mayor's response.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in informal contexts: 'He got the contract on the shirttail of his father's reputation.'
Academic
Very rare except in historical/sociological texts discussing family structures.
Everyday
Literally: 'Your shirttail is out.' Metaphorically (US): 'She's just some shirttail cousin from out of state.'
Technical
Used in publishing/journalism: 'We'll add a shirttail to the editorial with the update.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “shirttail”
- Using 'shirttail' as a verb (incorrect).
- Confusing it with 'shirttail' as a main feature instead of a secondary one.
- Misspelling as two words: 'shirt tail' (often accepted but less standard).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is most commonly written as one word ('shirttail'), though the two-word form 'shirt tail' is also seen, especially in more literal contexts.
No, 'shirttail' is a noun. There is no standard verb form 'to shirttail'.
They are synonyms, but 'shirttail relative' is informal and slightly idiomatic, primarily used in American English, often implying the connection is so tenuous it's almost humorous or insignificant.
It is less common in everyday UK English, where one might simply say 'your shirt is out'. It is understood but somewhat dated or specific in both varieties, often used in instructions or descriptions.
The lower part of a shirt, especially the part below the waistband.
Shirttail is usually informal to semi-formal; more common in written journalism and colloquial american english. in register.
Shirttail: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʃɜːt.teɪl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈʃɜːrt.teɪl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “hang onto someone's shirttail”
- “a shirttail relative”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a shirt. The 'tail' is the part that hangs down, like an animal's tail. A 'shirttail cousin' is someone so distant they're only connected by the very end (tail) of the family shirt.
Conceptual Metaphor
IMPORTANCE IS SIZE/CENTRALITY. A shirttail is small and peripheral compared to the main body of the shirt. Thus, a shirttail relative is peripheral to the core family.
Practice
Quiz
In American journalism, what is a 'shirttail' most likely to be?