swallow-tailed coat
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A formal man's evening jacket, characterized by having two long, tapering panels (tails) at the back, resembling the forked tail of a swallow. It is a key component of traditional "white tie" formal attire.
Usage
This term refers specifically to the jacket itself. It is used in contexts discussing formalwear, historical fashion, or very elegant events. * He looked impeccable in his swallow-tailed coat and white bow tie. * The butler's uniform included a traditional swallow-tailed coat. * For the gala, the dress code requires a swallow-tailed coat.
Advanced Usage
- The phrase is often shortened informally to "tails" (e.g., "He wore tails to the opera").
- The full, formal term "swallow-tailed coat" is sometimes used to distinguish it from other tailcoats, like the morning coat, which has a differently cut tail.
Variants and Related Words
- Tailcoat (n.): The more common general term for a coat with tails.
- Dress coat (n.): Another formal synonym.
- White tie (n.): This refers to the entire most formal evening dress code, of which the swallow-tailed coat is the central jacket component.
Synonyms
- Tailcoat
- Dress coat
- Full-dress coat
Antonyms
- Informal jacket
- Lounge suit
- Sports coat
Related Phrases
- In tails: Dressed in a swallow-tailed coat.
- The orchestra members were all in tails.
- White tie and tails: The complete, most formal ensemble.
- The invitation specified white tie and tails.
Noun
- a man's full-dress jacket with two long tapering tails at the back