Thongs

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A type of footwear characterized by a flat sole and a Y-shaped strap that passes between the first and second toes | A garment item designed to provide minimal rear coverage, often worn under clothing for a discreet fit | A playful term for a type of swimwear that consists of a narrow piece of fabric covering the buttocks, commonly used in beachwear
2. A form of casual footwear featuring a flat bottom and a Y-shaped divider between the toes | An article of clothing designed for minimal coverage at the back, commonly worn under other attire | A cheeky style of swimwear comprising a slim fabric strip that covers the rear, typically seen at the beach
3. A kind of open-toed sandal with a Y-shaped strap between the first two toes | an undergarment that provides minimal back coverage, often worn for discretion | or a revealing swimwear design with a narrow strip of fabric at the rear

Etymology: The word "thong" originally referred to a narrow strip of leather or similar material used as a strap or fastening. This usage dates back to Old English, where the term "þwong" (pronounced roughly like "thwong") meant a flexible strip of leather or cord. Such strips were commonly used in various practical applications, from securing armor and tools to simple bindings in everyday life. Over time, the meaning of the word broadened to include any slender, flexible strip. This general sense persisted into Middle English and beyond, with "thong" often describing anything from a shoelace to a whip’s lash. The term’s association with something narrow and binding remained central to its identity. The modern sense of "thong" as a type of minimalistic underwear or swimwear emerged in the mid-20th century, popularized primarily through fashion and beachwear. This usage highlights a dramatic semantic shift from a utilitarian strip of leather to a garment designed for minimal coverage, often held in place by thin straps. Despite this change, the core idea of a slender strip that fastens or holds something remains intact. Interestingly, the plural form "thongs" in English simply follows the standard pattern of adding -s to denote more than one strip or garment. However, because the contemporary meaning is so visually and culturally distinct from the original, the term now carries a very different set of connotations compared to its humble beginnings as a piece of leather.

Synonyms: straps, bands, slips, underwear, g-strings