knickerbocker

A man in knickerbocker trousers walks through a city park.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A descendant of the early Dutch settlers of New York: "knickerbocker" historically refers to a person whose ancestors were among the original Dutch colonists of New Amsterdam, now New York City.
   • A native or inhabitant of New York: In a broader, informal sense, the term is used to denote anyone from New York City or its surrounding area.
   • A type of short, baggy trousers: "knickerbockers" (plural) are loose-fitting pants gathered at the knee, often worn for sports or as part of a historical costume.

Usage Examples

• Noun (person):

  • He proudly called himself a knickerbocker, tracing his roots back to 17th-century Dutch settlers. (He identified as a descendant of early Dutch New Yorkers.)
  • The parade featured many knickerbockers celebrating the city's heritage. (Many New Yorkers participated in the event.)

• Noun (trousers):

  • The golfer wore a pair of knickerbockers for a classic vintage look. (He wore loose trousers gathered at the knee.)

Advanced Usage

• "Knickerbocker school": A group of early 19th-century American writers based in New York, including Washington Irving, who helped establish a distinct American literary tradition.

  • Washington Irving was a leading figure in the Knickerbocker school of literature. (He was part of a New York-based literary movement.)

• "Knickerbocker glory": A type of elaborate ice cream sundae served in a tall glass, named after the term.

  • The dessert menu featured a knickerbocker glory with layers of fruit and ice cream. (A fancy ice cream treat.)

Variants and Related Words

• Knickerbockers (plural noun): The trousers themselves, often used interchangeably with "knickerbocker" in the clothing sense.
  • The vintage shop sold knickerbockers for cycling enthusiasts. (The trousers were available for purchase.)

Synonyms

• Dutch-American: a person of Dutch descent in America.
• New Yorker: a resident of New York City or state.
• Plus-fours: a similar style of baggy trousers, often associated with golf.

Related Idioms

• Knickerbocker spirit: A sense of pride or nostalgia associated with early New York history and culture.
  • The festival had a knickerbocker spirit, celebrating old Dutch traditions. (The event evoked a historical, nostalgic atmosphere.)