[Ads-l] Miniskirt/Minifalda

[Baker, John]

According to the OED, "miniskirt" was formed within English, by compounding mini- and skirt.  However, does the historical record actually support this?

The earliest known reference to "miniskirt" is in a humorous syndicated 1962 article datelined Mexico City and describing the "mini-skirt" or "Ya-Ya" as a controversial item of clothing that was the latest thing on the production line there.  That seems strong evidence that "miniskirt" might be a calque of the equivalent Spanish term, "minifalda."  Unfortunately, I do not speak Spanish, but I wonder if anyone has examined the early history of "minifalda."


John Baker

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