der  Slip

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/slɪp/

👖 What exactly is a 'Slip'?

Der Slip (plural: die Slips) is a short, close-fitting garment worn directly against the skin. It's a type of underwear.

• Primarily, der Slip refers to men's briefs (underwear without legs).
• Less commonly, it can also refer to women's panties, although more specific terms like Damenslip or simply Unterhose are often used for women's underwear.
• In the context of swimwear, der Badeslip refers to tight-fitting swimming briefs for men (speedos).

🚨 It's a loanword from English (slip), but in German, it has taken on a more specific meaning and is grammatically masculine (der).

🧐 Grammar of 'der Slip' in Detail

The word "Slip" is a masculine noun. Here is its declension:

Example Sentences

1. Er kaufte sich neue Slips im Dreierpack.
   He bought himself new briefs in a three-pack.
2. Der Schwimmer trug einen auffälligen Badeslip.
   The swimmer wore eye-catching swimming briefs.
3. Dieser Slip ist aus Baumwolle gefertigt.
   These briefs are made of cotton.
4. Wo ist mein blauer Slip?
   Where are my blue briefs?

💡 How to use 'der Slip'?

The term "Slip" is mainly used in the context of underwear and sometimes swimwear.

• Everyday language: Often used for men's briefs (without legs). "Ich brauche neue Slips." (I need new briefs.)
• Retail: In shops, you'll often find the labels "Herrenslip" (men's briefs) or "Damenslip" (women's briefs/panties).
• Distinction: While "Unterhose" is a more general term for underwear (can include boxers, panties, etc.), "Slip" is more specific to the short, legless form.
• Badeslip: Explicitly refers to tight swimming briefs for men.

⚠️ Although the English word "slip" can also mean an undergarment dress for women, "der Slip" in German usually does not have this meaning.

🧠 Mnemonics for 'der Slip'

1. Article Mnemonic: Imagine a man (who uses "der") slipping into his briefs (Slip) in the morning. Der Mann wears den Slip.
2. Meaning Mnemonic: A Slip is so small, you could easily slip on it if it was on the floor – or it easily slips into the laundry basket. It's the minimal, 'slippery' form of underwear.

Remember: Der Mann slips into den Slip.

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

Similar but different words:

• Schlupf (der): Can mean a slippery surface or the act of slipping/hatching.
• Slip-Anlage (die): A slipway for launching boats.

😂 A Little Joke

German: Warum tragen Informatiker nie weiße Slips?

Weil sie Angst vor einem 'Data Slip' (Datenleck/Datenpanne) haben! 😉

English Translation: Why do computer scientists never wear white briefs?

Because they are afraid of a 'data slip'! 😉 (Pun on data breach/leak and slipping underwear)

✍️ Poem about the Slip

German:
Der Slip, ganz kurz und klein,
passt in jede Wäsche rein.
Ob bunt, ob schlicht, ob weiß,
man trägt ihn heiß!
Ein treuer Freund, tagaus, tagein,
so soll es immer sein.

English Translation:
The brief, quite short and small,
fits into any laundry haul.
Whether colorful, plain, or white,
worn with delight!
A loyal friend, day out, day in,
that's how it's always been.

❓ Riddle Time

German:
Ich habe keinen Kragen, keine Taschen, keine Bein'.
Man trägt mich drunter, kurz und klein.
Mal bin ich aus Baumwolle, mal ganz flott,
für Männer oft, mal auch für Sport.

Was bin ich? (Lösung: der Slip)

English Translation:
I have no collar, no pockets, no legs so fine.
You wear me underneath, short and small in design.
Sometimes I'm cotton, sometimes quite chic,
Often for men, or for sports quick.

What am I? (Answer: der Slip / briefs)

➕ Other Information

• Origin: The word comes from the English verb "to slip" or the noun "slip" (piece of paper, strip; also an undergarment). It was adopted into German in the 20th century.
• Word Formation: Can be part of compound nouns, e.g., Badeslip (swimming briefs), Herrenslip (men's briefs), Damenslip (women's briefs/panties), Minislip, Taillenslip (high-waisted brief).