Language evolves constantly, and slang tends to put a spin on common words that is rather amusing or surprising. You could have heard in normal conversations or even in songs or even in comedy that a word is drawn. What exactly is drawn though?
In male slang, it means jokingly or casually, the underwear, or more specifically, the male undergarments; briefs, boxers or shorts. It may sound funny or outdated to other individuals, but the word draws was not a laughing stock and its use is still a regular part of the common language of many. Lets know more what does draws mean in this article:
What Does “Draws” Mean?
Then what is meant by draws when one says so? In simple terms, underwear is referred to as draws (spelt as drawers). It derives from the word drawers which was originally used many centuries ago to refer to long undergarments that were drawn on or pulled up the legs. As time passed the pronunciation of the word became shortened as a colloquialism (particularly in specific regions in the United States) becoming draws rather than drawers.
As an example, when one says I have to wash my draws he is merely talking about laundry- underclothes to be precise!
A Brief History of the Word
The term drawers originated in the 16th and 17th century. During those times, the underwear of men was usually loose-fitting and tied at the waist and covered the legs. The name drawers was perfectly logical since they were clothes that one had to draw on (or pull up).
As fashion changed and language grew more informal, individuals started to use short and simpler forms of words in their daily language. By the 20th century, and particularly in the area of African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and Southern American dialects, drawers have often been called draws. The term found its way in songs, films and jokes and thus it had a cultural identity which has had lasting presence up to date.
Why Men Still Use the Term
Although the majority of the population nowadays call underwear underwear, a good number of men continue using the term draws to make jokes or to talk casually. It brings humor, character and a sense of nostalgia to the conversation. Replacing a sentence with a word such as draws instead of underwear can help to make it more casual or joking.
You also get to hear it in songs or comedy very often. The term has been used by hip-hop artists for decades and therefore, it is a part of pop culture. So the next time you hear a person say anything about draws you will see it is merely the slang word for underwear- not a big secret!
Types of Men’s “Draws”
Underwear of the modern men has a wide variety of shapes, yet, the slang term of draws may be applied to each of them. Among the most typical ones, there are:
- Boxers: Breathable and loose-fitting, very comfortable.
- Briefs: Tight and comfortable, just perfect daywear.
- Boxer briefs: Partly pants, all the way to the top, supporting.
- Trunks and jockstraps: More contemporary or sporting.
Regardless of the style you choose, the term draws can be used anyway–it depends on the tone and context.
Final Thoughts
In simple terms, then, what is the meaning of draws? It has simply the colloquialism of men’s underwear. The word is not very new and it developed through the centuries of language shift and culture since it was used as drawers to draw. Some may consider this archaic but nevertheless, it is a fun, descriptive slang word that puts color in the ordinary conversation. Underwear, briefs, boxers, or whatever you may call them, the meaning will remain the same, comfort and style to the men everywhere.
