civies
Definition
Noun (plural, informal): 1. Civilian clothes: Ordinary, everyday clothing worn by people who are not in the military, police, or other uniformed service. This term is used specifically in contrast to a military or official uniform.
Usage
The word "civies" (also commonly spelled "civvies") is an informal, plural noun. It is used to refer to the collective items of non-uniform clothing a person wears. * It is typically used by military personnel or others who wear uniforms regularly to describe their off-duty clothing. * The term inherently implies a contrast: one changes out of a uniform and into civies.
Examples
- After the long deployment, the soldiers were excited to finally change into their civies and go into town.
- "You can spot the new recruits on the weekend; they're the ones still uncomfortable in their civies," the sergeant remarked.
- The police officer kept a set of civies in her locker for after her shift.
Advanced Usage
- "In civies": This common phrase describes the state of wearing civilian clothing.
- It was strange to see the general in civies at the supermarket; I was so used to his uniform.
Variants and Related Words
- Civvies: An alternative, equally common spelling of the word.
- Civilian clothes/attire/garb: The formal equivalents of "civies."
- Mufti: (noun) A synonym used chiefly in British English to mean civilian clothes, especially when worn by someone who usually wears a uniform.
Synonyms
- Plain clothes
- Everyday wear
- Street clothes
Antonyms
- Uniform
- Regalia
- Livery
Related Idioms/Phrases
- To be out of uniform: A more formal way to state that someone is wearing civilian clothing instead of their official attire.
Noun
-
civilian garb as opposed to a military uniform
