Definition

1. Noun:
   • An inflatable life jacket: A type of personal flotation device that can be inflated, often by pulling a cord or using a gas cartridge, to provide buoyancy in water. The term is informal or slang, particularly in aviation and nautical contexts.
   • United States film actress (1892-1980): A reference to the famous American actress, singer, and comedian known for her buxom figure and witty double entendres. The life jacket was humorously named after her due to its shape when inflated.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Life Jacket):
  • The pilot quickly grabbed the mae west before ditching the plane in the ocean.
  • During the safety briefing, they showed us how to inflate the mae west.
• Noun (Person):
  • Mae West was known for her provocative stage persona and clever one-liners.
  • The film "She Done Him Wrong" starring Mae West is a classic.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used historically or in specific jargon (e.g., military, aviation). In modern general English, "inflatable life vest" or "life jacket" is more common.
• When referring to the person, it is always capitalized: .

Variants and Related Words

• Life jacket / Life vest: The standard, non-slang terms for a personal flotation device.
• Inflatable: (Adjective) Describing something that can be filled with air.

Synonyms

• Life preserver: A more general term for any device designed to save a person from drowning.
• Buoyancy aid: A technical term for equipment that helps a person float.

Notes on Meaning

• The two meanings are distinct: one is an object (slang), and the other is a proper noun (a person's name). The connection between them is humorous and metaphorical, based on the shape of the inflated jacket resembling the actress's famous silhouette.
• Using the term for the life jacket outside of specific contexts (like historical accounts or older military/aviation circles) may not be widely understood by all English speakers.

Noun

1. an inflatable life jacket
2. United States film actress (1892-1980)