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The hyphen is a punctuation mark that joins words and separates syllables. Its usage, called hyphenation, can vary depending on the context and meaning intended. For example, the phrase child photographer can be hyphenated as child-photographer to indicate a photographer of children, rather than a child who is a photographer. In the case of tank top, the phrase is typically not hyphenated as it refers to a specific type of clothing: a sleeveless shirt with wide shoulder straps and a low neck, often made of lightweight, knitted fabric.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A tank top is a soft cotton shirt with no sleeves, collar, or buttons. |
| Word Forms | Plural tank tops |
| British English Definition | A sleeveless upper garment with wide shoulder straps and a low neck, usually worn over a shirt, blouse, or jumper |
| American English Definition | A casual shirt like a sleeveless undershirt but with wider shoulder straps |
| British English Alternative | A sweater without arms |
| American English Alternative | A piece of clothing like a T-shirt without arms |
What You'll Learn
Tank top definition
A tank top is a garment that covers the upper body but leaves the arms uncovered. In British English, a tank top is a sleeveless, collarless, knitted garment with wide shoulder straps and a low neckline, typically worn over a shirt. In American English, a tank top is a casual shirt, similar to a sleeveless undershirt but with wider shoulder straps. It is typically made from soft cotton and does not have a collar or buttons.
The first known use of the term "tank top" was in 1950, and it is believed to be named after the tank suits, or one-piece bathing costumes, of the 1920s that were worn in swimming pools or "tanks".
Tank tops are often worn as casual attire, and can be paired with a variety of bottom wear such as shorts, trousers, or skirts. They are usually made from lightweight, knitted fabric and can be close-fitting and low-cut. Tank tops are also commonly used as undershirts or innerwear, especially in colder climates.
In American English, the term tank is sometimes used interchangeably with "tank top" to refer to a similar type of sleeveless garment. Additionally, the term sweater vest is also used to refer to a tank top, especially in the US.
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Tank top origins
The tank top, a staple in many wardrobes, has an interesting history that dates back to the 1920s. The name "tank top" originates from "tank suits", the one-piece bathing costumes worn by women in swimming pools, which were known as "swimming tanks" during that era.
The Roaring Twenties brought a fashion revolution, with women embracing shorter hairstyles and more revealing dresses. This period also witnessed the introduction of women's swimming to the Olympic Games in 1912, with female swimmers' costumes resembling modern-day tank tops with added shorts. These "tank suits" were made from various materials, including silk and cotton, and featured straps similar to those on today's tank tops.
In the 1930s and 1940s, tank tops made their first appearances in American movies, often worn by villainous characters who were abusive towards their wives, earning the garment the colloquial nickname "wife-beater" in the US. This association was further reinforced by Marlon Brando's character, Stanley Kowalski, in the 1950s film "A Streetcar Named Desire".
It wasn't until the 1970s that tank tops became widely accepted as everyday clothing for both men and women. This shift was influenced by the liberalisation of society, the growing popularity of beaches and parks during summer, and the impact of movies, music videos, and celebrities on fashion. The 1970s also saw the rise of pairing tank tops with leather jackets and loose-fitting jeans.
The 1980s witnessed the growing popularity of the Bundeswehr Tank Top, which originated from surplus clothing in the German army and became readily available in stores worldwide. During this decade, the general fashion trend favoured a tight-fitting top half and looser bottom half, which aligned with the style of a tank top.
In the 1990s, a simple fashion trend emerged that persists to this day: a tank top paired with jeans. While bootleg jeans were the style of that decade, the combination has evolved, and today, it's not uncommon to see tank tops paired with skinny jeans.
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Tank top hyphenation rules
Hyphenation is the use of hyphens to join words or to separate syllables of a single word. In general, hyphenation and then consolidation is the standard rule for English. The meaning of all three variants (slave driver, slave-driver, slavedriver) is the same, but the general trend, if the word is used a lot, will be to make it one word, like lawnmower.
The word "tank top" does not typically contain a hyphen. However, the hyphenation of this phrase can depend on the context and the specific usage of the phrase.
In British English, a "tank top" refers to a sweater without arms. In this context, "tank top" is a compound noun, and each word in the compound is necessary to convey the specific type of top being described. Therefore, no hyphen is required.
In North American English, a "tank top" refers to a piece of clothing like a T-shirt without arms. Similarly, in this context, "tank top" is a compound noun, and each word is necessary to describe the type of clothing. As such, no hyphen is typically used.
However, there may be instances where hyphenation of "tank top" is appropriate. For example, if "tank top" is used as a modifier or adjective before a noun, a hyphen may be inserted for clarity. For instance, one might write about a "tank-top shirt" to distinguish it from other types of shirts. In this case, "tank-top" is functioning as a compound adjective, and hyphenation can help to clarify the phrase and avoid potential ambiguity.
Additionally, hyphenation rules can vary depending on specific style guides or publications. Different style guides may have slightly different recommendations for hyphenating compound words or phrases.
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Tank top sentence examples
The term "tank top" refers to a sleeveless shirt with a low neckline and wide shoulder straps. Here are some examples of how the term "tank top" can be used in sentences:
"She wore a tank top and jeans to the park, enjoying the warm summer breeze."
"His muscular arms were accentuated by the tight-fitting tank top he wore during his workout."
"The actress, channelling her character's laid-back style, paired a tank top with denim shorts and sandals."
"For a casual lunch date, she opted for a flowy tank top, a maxi skirt, and strappy sandals."
"He donned a bright red tank top, showcasing his sun-kissed shoulders, and headed to the beach."
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Tank top synonyms
A tank top is a soft, cotton shirt with no sleeves, collar, or buttons. It is typically worn as an undershirt for women under a blouse or a dress's bodice, although it can also be worn by men. Tank tops are often referred to as "undershirts" or "sleeveless shirts". In British English, a tank top can also refer to a sweater without arms.
Tank tops are known by various names in different parts of the world. Here are some synonyms and alternative terms for a tank top:
- Sleeveless shirt
- Undershirt
- Vest
- Singlet
- A-shirt
- Wife-beater
- Stringer
- Sleeveless vest
- Muscle shirt
Some of these terms may be considered slang or carry negative connotations, so it is important to be aware of the context and appropriateness when using these synonyms.
In British English, a "tank top" can also refer to a sleeveless sweater, which is different from the typical tank top described above. This usage reflects the British definition of a tank top as a sleeveless upper garment, often worn over a shirt or blouse.
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Frequently asked questions
A tank top is a shirt with no sleeves, collar, or buttons, usually made from soft cotton. It can be worn as an undershirt or over another shirt.
No, "tank top" is not hyphenated. It is written as two separate words.
Hyphens are used to join words or to separate the syllables of a single word. They are also used in compound adjectives when the words could be mistaken for each other or to provide clarity. For example, "a little-used car" (an adjective describing the car) is different from "a little used car" (implying the car is small).
Yes, it is generally recommended to avoid using a hyphen when the first word of a compound adjective is an adverb. For example, in "a pretty fair guess," the word "pretty" is clearly an adverb, so a hyphen is not needed.
