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Definition of knickers in English:

knickers

Pronunciation /ˈnikərz/ /ˈnɪkərz/

Translate knickers into Spanish

plural noun

  • 1

    (also knickerbockers)
    North American Loose-fitting trousers gathered at the knee or calf.

    • ‘The RSS has been advised to switch over to trousers, abandoning its trademark khaki knickers.’
    underpants, briefs, bikini briefs, drawers, tanga briefs
    View synonyms

  • 2British Short underpants worn by women or girls.

    ‘She stripped down to her knickers and bra and crawled into the other bed.’
    • ‘You can never have too many pairs of knickers, so why not just pack the lot ? ’
    • ‘They're my favourite knickers!’
    • ‘A matching purple bra and knicker set’
    • ‘We even looked down the back of the sofa and in the knicker drawer’
    underpants, briefs, bikini briefs, drawers, tanga briefs
    View synonyms

Phrases

    get one's knickers in a twist
    British informal

    • Become upset or angry.

      • ‘The Tories have really got their knickers in a twist over this.’
      • ‘It's been accused of rampant misogyny but the men are so pitiful and the show so unfunny that I won't be getting my knickers in a twist about the sexism.’
      • ‘Masts can be disguised or even concealed completely so there is nothing unsightly for members of the local planning committee or Civic Society to get their knickers in a twist about.’
      • ‘So for heaven's sake, let's not get our knickers in a twist about it.’
      • ‘The reason I got my knickers in a twist over this story is that these guys are cheerfully ploughing ahead with a programme based on severely flawed technology.’
      • ‘Ok, now don't get your knickers in a twist, I know it's a good game, but it seems to me that a lot of people say a lot of stupid things when they're talking about the Super Bowl.’
      • ‘She's got her knickers in a twist about something.’
      • ‘Before you get your knickers in a twist this is not my opinion.’
      • ‘Why is the Department of Health getting its knickers in a twist about STIs?’
      • ‘But the former first lady didn't get her knickers in a twist.’

Origin

Late 19th century (in the sense ‘short trousers’): abbreviation of knickerbockers (see knickerbocker).