shirttail
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˈʃɜːrˌteɪl/
KK: /ˈʃɜrtˌteɪl/
adjective
Definition
Describing something that is small, trivial, or of little value, often used to refer to things that are inadequate or not fully developed.
Example
The shirttail project was not taken seriously due to its lack of funding.
Conversation
Did you see those kids playing outside?
Yeah, they looked like a bunch of shirttail kids just having fun.
I remember when we were that young and carefree.
Those were the days, everything felt so much simpler.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
petty
minor
trivial
Antonyms
significant
major
important
noun
Definition
The part of a shirt that hangs down below the waist, especially at the back.
Example
He tucked his shirttail into his pants before leaving the house.
Conversation
I just bought a new shirt, but the shirttail is a bit longer than I expected.
Really? Sometimes that can look stylish, though.
Yeah, I guess it could work if I tuck it in right.
Root Explanation
Shirttail → The word is formed from "shirt" (from Old English *sceort*, meaning a garment worn on the upper body) and "tail" (from Old English *tægel*, meaning the end or lower part of something). The term "shirttail" refers to the lower part of a shirt, often hanging out from the waistband.
Memory Tip
Think of the 'shirt' as the upper garment and 'tail' as the lower part — that's why a shirttail is the lower part of a shirt.
Visually Confused Words
shorttail
hairtail