smalls: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2-C1Informal, slightly dated, euphemistic. Used more commonly in British English than American English. Often used in domestic contexts.
Quick answer
What does “smalls” mean?
underwear, intimate apparel (plural noun).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
underwear, intimate apparel (plural noun).
Refers collectively to items of clothing worn next to the skin, such as underwear, bras, and undershirts. The term is informal and often used euphemistically.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Common and widely understood in British English, though somewhat dated. In American English, the term is rarely used and may cause confusion; 'underwear', 'intimates', or 'lingerie' are preferred.
Connotations
British usage is modest, polite, and slightly quaint. It avoids direct reference to underwear. In American contexts, it can sound like a Britishism or an affected term.
Frequency
High frequency in older British English; low to very low frequency in modern American English.
Grammar
How to Use “smalls” in a Sentence
wash + smallspack + smalls + for + triphang out + the smallsVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Potentially in e-commerce for intimate apparel categories.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Domestic contexts: laundry, packing for a trip.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “smalls”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “smalls”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “smalls”
- Using 'a small' for a single item (incorrect).
- Using 'smalls' in formal writing.
- Using 'smalls' in American English where it sounds unnatural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It's best avoided as it sounds like a British affectation. Use 'underwear' or 'intimates' instead.
Yes, it can refer to underwear for any gender, though it is often associated with women's lingerie in modern usage.
It's a euphemism from the late 19th/early 20th century, referring to the 'small', private garments as opposed to outer 'larger' clothing.
No, 'smalls' is a plural noun only. You cannot refer to one pair of underwear as 'a small'.
underwear, intimate apparel (plural noun).
Smalls is usually informal, slightly dated, euphemistic. used more commonly in british english than american english. often used in domestic contexts. in register.
Smalls: in British English it is pronounced /smɔːlz/, and in American English it is pronounced /smɑːlz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Don't wash your dirty smalls in public. (variant of 'don't wash your dirty linen in public')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: SMALL items worn under your LARGE clothes.
Conceptual Metaphor
INTIMACY/PRIVACY IS SMALLNESS (private things are 'small', not for public view).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'smalls' most appropriately used?