bib-and-tucker
Definition
Noun: - An attractive outfit, especially one's best or most formal clothing: The term "bib-and-tucker" is a humorous or old-fashioned idiom referring to a person's fancy or best set of clothes, typically worn for a special occasion.
Usage
"Bib-and-tucker" is used as a singular noun, often preceded by a possessive pronoun (e.g., my, her, his, their) and an adjective like best, Sunday, or finest. It is an informal, somewhat dated expression.
Examples
Advanced Usage
- The phrase is inherently idiomatic. It is almost always used in the fixed form "one's best/finest/Sunday bib-and-tucker." Using it outside this construct is rare.
- It often carries a tone of affectionate humor or gentle irony about dressing formally.
Word Origin and Notes
- Origin: The term originates from the 18th century. A "bib" was a piece of cloth worn over the chest (like on a child's garment or an apron), and a "tucker" was a piece of lace or linen worn over the neckline of a dress. Together, they came to humorously represent the components of a complete, neat outfit.
Synonyms
- Finery: Ornamental or showy clothing.
- Best clothes: One's most formal or attractive attire.
- Sunday best: One's best clothes, traditionally worn to church.
- Glad rags: Informal term for fancy clothes.
Related Idioms
- Dressed to the nines: Dressed very elaborately or fashionably.
- In one's Sunday best: Wearing one's best clothes, as for church.
- All dolled up: Dressed in a very fancy or stylish way (often used for women).
Noun
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an attractive outfit
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she wore her best bib-and-tucker
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