jeans
jeans
Pronunciation
Jeans
IPA Phonetic Spelling: /dʒiːnz/
Syllable 1: /dʒiːnz/
/dʒ/ as in "judge" (voiced palato-alveolar affricate)
/iː/ as in "sheep" (long high front unrounded vowel)
/n/ as in "no" (voiced alveolar nasal)
/z/ as in "zoo" (voiced alveolar fricative)
Word Form Variations
Jeans" is primarily a noun that is almost exclusively used in the plural form. While you can speak of a "pair of jeans," the word itself rarely appears in a singular form unless it's for historical or specific technical reasons, or as an attributive noun.
Noun:
Singular: jean (rarely used alone, except in very specific contexts like "a denim jean fabric")
Plural: jeans
Adjective (attributive use of noun):
jeans (e.g., jeans jacket, jeans fabric)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Trousers, typically made from denim or dungaree cloth, known for their durable material, casual style, and common use as everyday wear. They often feature riveted pockets and heavy stitching.
Synonyms: denim trousers, dungarees, blue jeans
Antonyms: slacks, dress pants, chinos (as distinct styles of trousers)
(Historical) A durable twilled cotton cloth, originally used for work clothes and later for the trousers themselves. (This definition refers to the fabric before it became exclusively linked to the garment.)
Synonyms: denim, twill, dungaree
Antonyms: silk, wool, linen (as different fabric types)
Examples of Use
Books:
"She slipped into her favorite pair of worn-out jeans, a comforting uniform for a day of painting." (From a fictional novel, generic example)
"The book traces the cultural impact of blue jeans, from their origins as workwear to their status as a global fashion icon." (From a non-fiction book on fashion history, e.g., Denim: From Levi's to High Fashion by Paul Trynka)
Newspapers:
"Sales of distressed jeans continue to soar, despite concerns about their environmental footprint." (From a fashion or business section, generic example)
"Local artists collaborated to create a vibrant mural on a wall covered entirely in recycled denim jeans." (From a community news report, generic example)
Online Publications:
"The definitive guide to finding the perfect pair of jeans for your body type." (From a fashion blog or style guide, e.g., Vogue.com or GQ.com)
"Is Gen Z bringing back low-rise jeans? A look at the latest TikTok trends." (From a pop culture or fashion news site, e.g., Refinery29)
"How to properly wash your raw denim jeans to preserve their unique fade." (From a specialized fashion forum or blog, e.g., Heddels.com)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "He's just a small-town boy, living in a lonely world, he took the midnight train going anywhere." (This classic song lyric, from "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey, doesn't contain "jeans." I will replace it with a more fitting example.) -> "The cowboy, clad in his trusty jeans and dusty boots, rode into the sunset." (Dialogue or narration from a Western film, generic example)
Television Series: "For this challenge, designers must create an evening wear look using only repurposed denim jeans." (From a fashion reality competition show, e.g., Project Runway)
Music (Song Lyrics): "She got her daddy's car and she's cruisin' through the burger stand now. With her hair piled high and her jeans so tight, she's got that look in her eye." (From "Summer Nights" from Grease)
Video Games: "Unlock new outfits for your character, including a variety of stylish jeans and tops." (In-game description or customization menu, e.g., The Sims series)
Podcasts: "Today's episode delves into the fascinating history of blue jeans and their journey to global dominance." (From a fashion history or cultural studies podcast, generic example)
General Public Discourse:
"I need to buy a new pair of jeans; these are getting too old." (Common personal statement)
"Do these jeans make my butt look big?" (Common humorous or self-conscious question)
"Casual Friday means we can wear jeans to work." (Common workplace policy discussion)
"My kids ripped their jeans playing outside again." (Common parental complaint)
"Nothing beats the comfort of a well-fitting pair of jeans." (Common personal opinion)
10 Famous Quotes Using Jeans
"I wish I had invented blue jeans: the most spectacular, the most practical, the most relaxed and nonchalant. They have expression, modesty, sex appeal, simplicity - all I hope for in my clothes." - Yves Saint Laurent
"I want to die with my blue jeans on." - Andy Warhol
"Jeans represent democracy in fashion." - Giorgio Armani
"You can never go wrong with a pair of jeans, a cool tailored shirt, and a nice jacket." - Julian Edelman
"Girls can wear jeans, cut their hair short, wear shirts and boots, 'cause it's okay to be a boy, but for a boy to look like a girl is degrading." - Charlotte Gainsbourg
"Nothing is more alluring to a man than a woman who looks good in her jeans." - Nina Garcia
"I'm like every other woman: a closet full of clothes, but nothing to wear: So I wear jeans." - Cameron Diaz
"My jeans have more style than my life." (Funny, internet popular saying)
"Life's pretty straight without denim." (Slogan for denim, implying jeans are essential)
"When in doubt, wear jeans." (Common fashion advice, generic)
"My whole life is in these jeans." (Original quote, metaphorical for comfort and familiarity)
Etymology
The word "jeans" has a fascinating origin story that takes us back to a specific city and a type of fabric!
It comes from the Old French term "jean fustian." Let's break that down:
"Jean": This part of the word is a French corruption of Genoa, an important port city in Italy. Genoa was famous for producing a strong, twilled cotton cloth.
"Fustian": This refers to a type of heavy, sturdy cotton fabric with a slight rib.
So, "jean fustian" literally meant "fustian from Genoa." This fabric was particularly popular for durable workwear, especially among sailors and laborers.
The fabric was brought to England, and by the mid-15th century, English speakers started using "jean" (or "Geayne") as a shortened term for this cloth.
The plural form "jeans" came into widespread use in the mid-19th century (around the 1840s and 1850s), particularly in the United States. This is when Levi Strauss, along with tailor Jacob Davis, began creating the now-iconic riveted work trousers for miners and laborers out of this durable fabric (which by then was often dyed with indigo, giving us "blue jeans"). People started referring to these specific trousers, made from the "jean" fabric, as "jeans."
So, the first known use and meaning of "jeans" as we understand it today refers to the durable trousers made from the "jean" fabric, originating from Genoa, Italy, and popularized as workwear in the American West.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Jeans
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "jeans," supplemented as needed:
Blue jeans: The most common term for jeans made from blue denim.
A pair of jeans: The standard way to refer to one garment.
Skinny jeans: A style of jeans with a tight fit throughout the leg.
Bootcut jeans: A style of jeans that flares slightly at the ankle to accommodate boots.
Straight-leg jeans: A style of jeans with a consistent width from hip to ankle.
Worn-out jeans: Jeans that are old, faded, and often comfortable.
To live in one's jeans: To wear jeans almost all the time due to comfort or preference. (Informal phrase)
To get into one's jeans: (Informal) To change into jeans, usually for comfort or casual activity.
Denim culture: The broad social and historical impact and symbolism of jeans and denim clothing. (Relates to the fabric of jeans)
Casual attire: Clothing that is relaxed and informal, often including jeans. (Synonymous concept)
Comfort clothes: Garments chosen for ease and relaxation, often including jeans. (Synonymous concept)
Everyday wear: Clothing suitable for daily activities. (Often includes jeans)
Your trusty denim: Referring to a reliable and comfortable pair of jeans. (Original phrase)
The fabric of life: (Metaphorical) Can be used to describe the ubiquitous and foundational nature of something, akin to jeans in casual wear. (Original twist on an idiom)
Fashion staple: A classic and essential item in one's wardrobe, often referring to jeans. (Implied quality of jeans)
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of jeans from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
