Definition of barrette

The word "barrette" is derived from the French language, and it originated in the early 20th century. The French word for hair clip or hold is "brochette," but in the late 1800s, the term "barrette" emerged to describe a specific type of hair accessory. The exact origin of the word "barrette" is unclear, but it is believed to come from the French word "barre," meaning "bar" or "rod." This term was used to describe the shape and material from which the clips were made - a thin, curved piece of metal or plastic resembling a small bar. The first recorded use of the word "barrette" in English was in the late 1900s, when the French-style hairpin became popular in Britain and America. Though the term "hair clip" is still commonly used in English-speaking countries today, the word "barrette" continues to be recognized and used, mainly in the fashion and beauty industries. In French, the term "brochette" has since remained a more widely used and general term for hair accessories, while "barrette" continues to be reserved for a specific type of clip. This distinction allows French speakers to clearly distinguish between different types of hair clips, based on their form and function. In summary, the word "barrette" originated from the French "barre" meaning "bar" or "rod," and was used to describe a specific type of hair clip that became popular in England and America in the early 20th century. The term has since remained in use, particularly in the fashion and beauty industries, while the more general term "brochette" is still commonly used in French to describe hair accessories more broadly.