Exploring the Meaning of 'Get Away with Wearing Pants': A Fun Look at Fashion and Freedom
The phrase 'get away with wearing pants' in American slang is a playful and often humorous expression used to break traditional fashion rules. This article delves into the nuances of this expression, exploring its usage and the wider context of fashion flexibility.
Definition and Usage
The phrase 'to get away with something' generally means to perform an action without being detected or punished. In the case of 'get away with wearing pants,' it specifically refers to a situation where one decides to break the customary fashion norms—typically, for example, by wearing trousers in a setting that traditionally expects women to wear dresses or skirts. This expression can apply to any situation, whether it's a routine work environment, a social gathering, or even a formal event like a court appearance.
Context and Examples
Imagine a businesswoman attending a networking event. She is acutely aware that most professional women in attendance will be wearing formal dresses, yet she feels confident in her ability to wear pants. Here, she might say, 'I think I can get away with wearing pants tonight.' Just as humorous is the scenario where a woman wears a short-short to court and receives backhanded compliments, as everyone except the judge thinks she looks great. In both cases, the expression is used to describe a situation where someone is challenging the norm and successfully avoiding judgment.
Religious and Cultural Contexts
The phrase 'get away with wearing pants' is not just a matter of personal preference; it can also be influenced by strict societal norms. In certain religious communities, women are not allowed to wear trousers, as they are required to wear long dresses or skirts. Such rules are based on interpretations of religious doctrine, aiming to maintain certain moral standards. Similarly, some Scottish military units wear kilts, which are not pants in the traditional sense. This illustrates how different cultures have unique fashion expectations that can make it challenging to 'get away with' wearing pants in some contexts.
Historical and Modern Usage
The word 'pants' itself has evolved over time to encompass various forms of clothing. Historically, pants were more conservative in design and were less commonly worn by women in formal or professional settings. For instance, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, who frequently wore trousers in formal and professional settings, set an enduring precedent for women in politics and business. In contemporary usage, a woman attending a formal event but believing she can 'get away with wearing pants' might be referring to the idea of wearing slacks or jeans that are every bit as elegant as a dress. The flexibility of 'pants' to mean different things—from fitted trousers to casual jeans—highlights the evolving nature of fashion norms.
Conclusion
The phrase 'get away with wearing pants' is a fun and evolving part of the American slang lexicon. It encapsulates the idea of breaking fashion rules both trivially and seriously. From reclaiming personal style to challenging deep-seated cultural norms, this expression speaks to the ongoing dialogue between tradition and individual freedom in fashion.