spijkerbroek
Dutch
editEtymology
editCompound of spijker (“nail (metal fastener)”) + broek (“trousers, pants”). Named after the use of rivets in jeans, which were thought to resemble the heads of nails. Cf. Afrikaans klinknaelbroek (literally “rivet trousers”).
Pronunciation
editNoun
editspijkerbroek f (plural spijkerbroeken, diminutive spijkerbroekje n)
- (Netherlands) A pair of jeans.
- De heler verkocht de gestolen spijkerbroeken op de markt bij zee, waar ze zeer in de smaak vielen.
- The fence sold the stolen jeans at the market near the sea, where they appealed to many people's tastes.
Usage notes
editNot used in Flanders, where the loanword jeans is used instead.