pussy bow

English

Margaret Thatcher wearing a pussy bow (1983)

Alternative forms

• pussybow, pussy-bow

Etymology

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

Noun

pussy bow (plural pussy bows)

1. A large, floppy bow on an item of clothing, often a blouse or shirt. [from 20th c.]

   Synonyms: lavallière, pussycat bow

   • 2009 April 11, Simon Chilvers, “Look the business: the blouse”, in The Guardian:

     When it comes to the blouse, the pussy bow is a recurring headline grabber ... think Maggie Thatcher in her super-austere 80s phase, or Maggie Gyllenhaal causing quite the stir in The Secretary.

   • 2024 July 20, Jemima Kelly, “Melania Trump really doesn't care, do u?”, in FT Weekend, Life & Arts, page 19:

     Or the time, later that year, that she turned up to a presidential debate wearing a bright pink pussy-bow blouse just two days after audio had been released of her husband boasting how he likes to “grab ’em by the pussy”? The vestiary reference was, reportedly, “not intentional”.

Translations

Translations

• French: lavallière (fr) f
• German: Künstlertuch n, Bohèmeschleife f

See also

• ascot tie