"Knickerbocker" Pronounce,Meaning And Examples
"Knickerbocker" Natural Recordings by Native Speakers
"Knickerbocker" Meaning
A Knickerbocker is a colloquial term that refers to a native-born New Yorker, particularly one from the middle class or of Dutch descent. The term originated in the early 19th century and is derived from Washington Irving's 1809 book "A History of New York," which used the pseudonym "Knickerbocker" as the fictional historian of the city.
"Knickerbocker" Examples
Usage Examples for "Knickerbocker"
1. Meaning and Origin
------------------------The term "Knickerbocker" refers to the name of a type of long, knee-length breeches that were popular in the 18th and 19th centuries. The term was coined by Washington Irving, an American writer, in his 1809 book "A History of New York," to describe his fictionalized version of the Dutch settlers in New York City.
2. Literary Reference
-------------------------Washington Irving's fictional character, Diedrich Knickerbocker, is the narrator of "A History of New York." This character is said to be the editor of a fictional newspaper and is known for his witty and humorous commentary on the culture and society of New York in the mid-18th century.
3. Sporting Term
----------------------In the sport of hockey, a "Knickerbocker style" refers to the traditional type of hockey pants that were popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These pants were characterized by their long length, gathered waist, and often featured a bib or apron front.
4. Food and Drink
---------------------The "Knickerbocker Cocktail" is a type of cocktail that was popular in the early 20th century. It is made with gin, orange juice, and grenadine, and is often garnished with a cherry and an orange slice.
5. Cultural Significance
---------------------------The term "Knickerbocker" has become synonymous with the cultural and social heritage of New York City, particularly the Dutch settler tradition. It is often used to evoke a sense of nostalgia and history, and is associated with the classic American literature and culture of the 18th and 19th centuries.
"Knickerbocker" Similar Words
Knees
The word "knees" refers to the joints that connect the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone) in the human body, allowing for bending, straightening, and flexion. It can also refer to the area around these joints.
Knell
Knelt
To kneel is to sit on one's knees, typically with one's legs bent under one's body and one's weight supported by the tops of the feet. It is often used to describe a person in a position of humility, obedience, or reverence, as when praying or surrendering.
Knesset
The Knesset is the unicameral national legislature of Israel, located in Jerusalem. It has 120 members, known as Members of Knesset (MKs), who are elected by proportional representation for a four-year term. The Knesset is responsible for making laws, approving the budget, and electing the government. It also has the power to dissolve itself, which can lead to new elections. The Knesset building was designed by architect Arieh Sharon and was completed in 1966.
Knew
The verb "knew" is the past simple tense of the verb "know". It means to be aware of or have understood something before, and also to have past experience or familiarity with something. For example: "I knew her when we were in school."
Knick-knack
A knick-knack is a small, often decorative or useless item, such as a trinket or a bauble. The phrase "knick-knack" is often used to describe a collection of such items, such as a ornament or a souvenir, that is considered to be of little value or significance.
Knick-knacks
Knicker
Knickerbockers
Knickerbockers refers to a type of long, loose-fitting pants that were popular in the United States in the 19th century. They are characterized by a loose fit, cuffs at the bottom, and a length that falls just below the knee. The term "knickerbocker" can also refer to a person who wears these pants, often in a humorous or ironic sense.
Knickers
Knierim
Knife-point
In the phrase "knife-point", "knife-point" is an idiomatic expression that means "to rescue or save someone or something from a difficult, critical, or precarious situation".
Knife
A knife is a tool with a sharp cutting edge, typically used for cutting or chopping food, hair, or other materials.
Knifing
Knifing is a verb that means to stab or pierce someone or something with a knife, often in a violent or sudden manner. It can also refer to a violent or aggressive act, similar to "cutting" or "slashing". In some contexts, knifing can also be used figuratively to describe a sharp and painful criticism or comment. In sports, particularly in tennis, knifing refers to a type of shot where the racket is sliced across the ball to create topspin, making the ball drop sharply onto the opponent's side of the court.