black tie

You are wondering about the meaning of the phrase black tie, maybe you heard it in a TV show, movie or theater play. Although this idiom is not used very often, it enriches your capacity of expression and strengthens communication. In which case is the expression black tie used and what is its meaning?

Meaning of "black tie"

Meaning

The phrase “black tie” has two distinct uses. As an adjective, it is used to refer to formal social events, typically at evening time. It is often used to specify what kind of attire is expected of the attendees or guests. As an idiom, it means to dress up, typically wearing evening formal attire, or the highest level of formal attire.

Etymology

The term “black tie” was first used in the late 19th century as an indicator of proper evening attire for men. By the mid-20th century, it had come to stand for the highest level of formal dress for evening events.

Usage

The term “black tie” is most commonly used when referring to formal events, such as a wedding or a gala. It is also used in literature to describe a situation that requires the best dress. It can also be used as an imperative verb, as in, “You must wear a black tie.”

Example Sentences

• We are attending a black tie event tonight and need to be sure we are dressed appropriately.
• The invitation specified that the event is black tie, so you'll need to wear a tuxedo.
• John didn't realize that it was a black tie affair, so he showed up wearing jeans.

The Global Spread of English Idioms

As English has become a global language, its idioms have spread far beyond the borders of the UK and USA. For instance, the idiom "beat around the bush" has equivalents in many other languages, such as "tourner autour du pot" in French and "dar vueltas al asunto" in Spanish. Meanwhile, other idioms have been adapted for local contexts, such as the Russian idiom "?? ???? ???????" (ne svoya rubashka), which translates to "not one's own shirt," meaning to be in an uncomfortable or unfamiliar situation.