thigh-high: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumInformal to neutral; common in fashion and descriptive contexts.
Quick answer
What does “thigh-high” mean?
Extending to the height of the thigh.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Extending to the height of the thigh; describes boots, stockings, or water levels.
Often used as a compound adjective or noun to describe fashion items (boots, socks) or, less commonly, to describe the depth of water or mud one must wade through.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical, though 'thigh-high' as a noun for boots might be slightly more prevalent in US fashion media.
Connotations
In fashion, can connote boldness, glamour, or a specific style (e.g., 80s revival, winter wear). For water/mud, connotes difficulty, messiness, or adventure.
Frequency
Moderately common in both varieties, with predictable spikes in fashion-related content.
Grammar
How to Use “thigh-high” in a Sentence
[be] thigh-high[wear] thigh-highs[come up] thigh-highVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “thigh-high” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- She paired the dress with sleek, black thigh-high boots.
- After the storm, the floodwater was thigh-high in the garden.
American English
- The new line includes thigh-high leather boots for fall.
- We had to trek through thigh-high snow to reach the cabin.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in fashion retail (e.g., 'Our autumn collection features thigh-high boots.')
Academic
Very rare; potentially in descriptive geography or environmental studies.
Everyday
Common when discussing clothing, weather, or difficult walking conditions.
Technical
Not typically used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “thigh-high”
- Using 'thigh-high' as a verb. *'She thigh-highed her boots.' (Incorrect) / 'She wore thigh-high boots.' (Correct)
- Confusing with 'knee-high'. Thigh-high is significantly taller.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, informally, especially in fashion ('She loves wearing thigh-highs').
Yes, when used as a compound adjective before a noun (thigh-high boots). It may be omitted in casual noun use ('thigh highs').
'Knee-high' reaches just below or at the knee. 'Thigh-high' extends much further up the leg, towards the top of the thigh.
No. While most common for boots and stockings, it's also used descriptively for water, grass, mud, or snow that reaches one's thighs.
Extending to the height of the thigh.
Thigh-high is usually informal to neutral; common in fashion and descriptive contexts. in register.
Thigh-high: in British English it is pronounced /ˌθaɪ ˈhaɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌθaɪ ˈhaɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[wade through] thigh-high [water/mud/snow]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'High' as in 'height' + 'thigh' as in the upper leg = reaching the height of the thigh.
Conceptual Metaphor
HEIGHT IS A MEASURE OF COVERAGE/INTENSITY (e.g., 'thigh-high trouble').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary context for the word 'thigh-high'?