Definition

1. Noun:
   • A photograph of an attractive person, typically a woman, designed to be displayed on a wall: The term "pin-up" refers to a picture, often from a magazine, considered attractive enough to be pinned up on a wall for decoration or admiration.
   • The person depicted in such a photograph: "Pin-up" can also refer to the model or celebrity whose picture is popular for this purpose, especially one known for a glamorous and wholesome image.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Photograph):
  • He had a classic pin-up of a 1950s movie star on his garage wall.
  • The magazine featured a pin-up of the famous actress in each issue.
• Noun (Person):
  • She became a famous pin-up for soldiers during the war.
  • The actress was known as America's favorite pin-up in the 1940s.

Advanced Usage

• Used attributively (as a modifier): The term is often used before another noun to describe something related to the classic pin-up style.
  • She has a pin-up hairstyle. (A hairstyle reminiscent of classic pin-up models.)
  • The calendar had a pin-up aesthetic. (The visual style was similar to that of traditional pin-up art.)

Variants and Related Words

• Pin-up girl (n): A specifically female model or celebrity whose pictures are popular as pin-ups. This is a common compound term.
  • Betty Grable was a famous pin-up girl during World War II.
• Pin-up calendar (n): A calendar featuring a series of pin-up photographs.

Synonyms

• Centerfold: A picture, especially of a nude or semi-nude model, that occupies the center spread of a magazine. (Note: This often implies a more explicit image than the classic "pin-up".)
• Poster girl: A woman featured on posters, often used figuratively to represent a particular ideal or cause.

Related Phrases

• Pin something up: This is the phrasal verb from which the noun is derived, meaning to attach something to a wall or board with a pin.
  • She pinned up the poster in her room.

Noun

1. a very pretty girl who works as a photographer's model