Definition

1. Noun:
   • Corset: A close-fitting undergarment, often reinforced with boning, historically worn to shape and support the torso, particularly to slim the waist and support the bust.
   • Undergarment / Foundation garment: A general term for a tight-fitting piece of clothing worn under outer garments to shape or control the figure.
   • Maillot (Swimsuit): In some contexts, particularly from older French influence, it can refer to a one-piece swimsuit or bodysuit.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Cô ấy mặc một chiếc áo nịt để tạo dáng cho váy dạ hội. (She wears a corset to shape her figure for the evening gown.)
  • Áo nịt ngày nay thường được làm từ chất liệu co giãn. (Modern foundation garments are often made from elastic materials.)
  • Trong bộ sưu tập cổ điển, "áo nịt" cũng có thể chỉ một chiếc áo tắm liền mảnh. (In vintage collections, "áo nịt" can also refer to a one-piece swimsuit.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "áo nịt" is somewhat dated in everyday modern Vietnamese. More specific contemporary terms are often used depending on the garment's purpose.
• It can appear in historical or fashion contexts to describe period undergarments.

Variants and Related Words

• Áo nịt ngực (n): Bra. A specific undergarment for supporting the breasts.
  • Cô ấy cần mua áo nịt ngực mới. (She needs to buy a new bra.)
• Đồ lót định hình (n): Shapewear. The modern general term for figure-control undergarments.
• Áo tắm một mảnh / Áo liền mảnh (n): One-piece swimsuit.

Synonyms

• Corset: A rigid undergarment for shaping the torso.
• Foundation garment: A general term for shapewear.
• Girdle: An elasticated undergarment for shaping the hips and stomach.

Related Idioms

• Nịt bụng: To hold in one's stomach. This phrase uses the verb form of "nịt" (to tighten, to strap) and is related to the function of an "áo nịt".
  • Cô ấy phải nịt bụng để mặc vừa chiếc váy. (She had to hold in her stomach to fit into the dress.)