unmentionable
/ʌn'menʃnəbl/
Definition
Adjective:
- Not suitable or allowed to be discussed: Describes something considered too embarrassing, offensive, or socially inappropriate to be talked about openly.
- Too shocking or indecent to be named: Refers to things considered taboo or improper to mention in polite conversation.
Noun:
- An undergarment: A piece of clothing, such as underwear, worn beneath outer garments. This usage is often humorous or euphemistic.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- The scandal involved unmentionable acts that shocked the community.
- In Victorian society, certain topics were considered unmentionable in mixed company.
- Noun:
- She packed her unmentionables in a separate suitcase. (Here, "unmentionables" is a euphemism for undergarments.)
Advanced Usage
- The unmentionable: Used as a noun phrase to refer abstractly to a subject that is taboo.
- He finally dared to speak the unmentionable at the board meeting.
- Socially unmentionable: Emphasizes the social taboo aspect.
- Bankruptcy was a socially unmentionable topic for the family.
Variants and Related Words
- Unmentionables (plural noun): A dated or humorous term for undergarments.
- The store had a section for ladies' unmentionables.
Synonyms
- Adjective: Taboo, unspeakable, ineffable, indescribable, forbidden.
- Noun (for garment): Undergarment, underclothing, intimate apparel.
Antonyms
- Adjective: Mentionable, discussable, acceptable, permissible.
Related Idioms/Phrases
- Beyond the pale: While not containing the word, this idiom relates to the concept of being socially unacceptable or unmentionable.
- His behavior was considered beyond the pale and utterly unmentionable.
Adjective
-
unsuitable or forbidden as a topic of conversation
-
unmentionable words
-
Noun
-
a garment worn under other garments
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