Shirtsleeve

Part of speech: noun, adjective

Definitions

1. The part of a shirt that covers the arm ; conducted in a casual, direct, and unpretentious way without formality or ceremony
2. The tubular covering for the arm that is part of a shirt ; marked by straightforward, no-nonsense discussion or approach in an informal setting
3. The arm covering attached to a shirt ; involving practical, down-to-earth communication or dealings conducted without pretense or elaborate procedure

Etymology: "Shirtsleeve" is a plain compound: "shirt" joined to "sleeve," the part of a garment that covers the arm. Its parts are both native English words with ancient roots. "Shirt" comes from Old English "scyrte," a short tunic worn under other clothing, while "sleeve" comes from Old English "sliefe," which meant a garment or covering for the arm. Together they name the arm covering of a shirt specifically. The word's most useful feature is what it does in modern speech. Because it is a compound, it works as a modifier as well as a noun. Someone can be described as working "in shirtsleeves," meaning without a jacket, which is a way of signaling informality or hard work rather than formal dress.