grass skirt
Definition
Noun: A skirt made from long, dried blades of grass or similar natural fibers, traditionally tied at the waist and worn in some cultures, particularly in the Pacific Islands.
Usage
The term "grass skirt" refers specifically to the garment itself. It is used as a countable noun. * It is often associated with traditional dances and cultural performances. * In modern contexts, it can be used for costumes or themed parties.
Examples
- The dancers wore vibrant grass skirts for the ceremonial performance.
- She bought a grass skirt as a souvenir from her trip to Hawaii.
- For the luau party, everyone made their own grass skirts out of raffia.
Advanced Usage
- While traditionally made from specific grasses, modern versions for costumes are often made from synthetic materials like plastic raffia that mimic the appearance of grass.
- The phrase can be used metaphorically to evoke a stereotypical or caricatured image of tropical island culture.
Variants and Related Words
- Hula skirt: A specific type of grass skirt worn for the Hawaiian hula dance. While often synonymous with "grass skirt," a hula skirt can sometimes refer to a skirt made from ti leaves or other materials.
Synonyms
- There are no direct single-word synonyms. It can be described as a "skirt made of grass" or a "traditional fiber skirt."
Related Phrases
- To wear a grass skirt: This is the standard verb phrase for putting on this garment.
- The children learned to dance and wear a grass skirt during the cultural workshop.
Noun
-
a skirt made of long blades of grass
