Definition of culottes

The word "culottes" originated in French during the 1790s as part of the fashion and social revolution brought about by the French Revolution. The term "culottes" referred to working-class men who wore pants that covered their legs entirely, rather than the traditional knee-length breeches worn by aristocrats and upper-class men. The name "culottes" comes from the French word "culotte," which translates to "knickerbocker" in English. This term was used to describe men's pants that covered the whole leg, similar to modern-day pants or trousers. The name was derogatory in some circles, as it was associated with the working-class and seen as a challenge to the traditional social order. The clothes worn by the culottes were seen as a symbol of social and political change, representing a rejection of the established hierarchy and a call for equality and dignity. This fashion trend was embraced by radical revolutionaries and became a part of the larger movement against the aristocracy and the monarchy. As the French Revolution ended and the Napoleon era began, the fashion trend of wearing full-length pants faded, and the name "culottes" became associated with the radical revolutionaries and their ideologies. The term has resurfaced in popular culture from time to time, especially during times of political or social unrest, as a symbol of social and political transformation. Today, the term is still used in French, but its meaning has shifted to refer to a type of sleeveless dress or skirt that covers the legs entirely. However, the origins of the word remain steeped in revolutionary history, providing a reminder of the transformative power of fashion and social change.