Wardrobe Malfunction
/ˈwɔːr.droʊb mælˈfʌŋk.ʃən/noun
An unexpected failure or accident involving clothing, especially in a way that exposes more skin than intended.
Did you know?The term 'wardrobe' comes from the Old French 'garderobe', meaning 'to guard one's garments', which hints at the protective magic associated with clothing throughout history.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
Old English
warðerobe
“A place to store clothing, often associated with personal safety and identity.”
Middle English
Middle English
warderobe
“A chamber for garments, signifying protection and status.”
14th Century
Old French
garderobe
“To protect one's clothes, linking garments to personal defense.”
18th Century
English
wardrobe
“A cabinet or closet for clothes, evolving into a symbol of fashion and social standing.”
2004
Modern English
wardrobe malfunction
“A public incident where clothing fails, revealing more than intended, often tied to celebrity culture.”