beanie
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. A small, close-fitting, brimless hat, often made of wool or knitted fabric, that fits tightly on the head. This is the primary modern meaning, describing a casual, warm head covering. 2. A small skullcap; formerly worn by schoolboys and college freshmen. This is a historical or specific usage, referring to a type of cap once associated with certain institutions.
Usage and Examples
- Modern Casual Wear:
- She pulled her beanie down over her ears to keep warm in the winter wind.
- He always wears a black knitted beanie.
- Historical/Specific Context:
- In old photographs, the college freshmen are all wearing their traditional beanies.
Advanced Usage
- "Propeller beanie": A humorous type of beanie with a small spinning propeller on top, often associated with stereotypical "nerds" or science fiction fans.
- The cartoon character was always depicted wearing a propeller beanie.
Variants and Related Words
- Beanie baby (n): A brand of small plush toys stuffed with plastic pellets, popular in the 1990s. This is a compound noun using "beanie" but refers to a toy, not a hat.
- Skullcap (n): A general term for a close-fitting cap, often used synonymously with "beanie" but can also refer to specific religious or uniform headgear.
- Watch cap (n): A similar knitted, brimless woolen cap, often associated with sailors or military use.
Synonyms
- Skullcap
- Watch cap
- Tuque (Common in Canadian English)
- Knit cap
Notes on Meaning
The word beanie primarily denotes a style of hat in contemporary English. The reference to a formal skullcap for students is now a specialized or historical meaning. The key characteristics are its small size, lack of a brim, and close fit.
Noun
- a small skullcap; formerly worn by schoolboys and college freshmen