[Sophia M.]

Would the Grandkids Know This One? 10.18.2025​

Hey, GrayViners!

We’re back with another round of old-school slang and fresh fun in our game: “Would the Grandkids Know This One?”

Today’s blast from the past: “Crinoline”

Did this phrase ever cruise through your conversations back in the day? Drop a comment if you’ve used this phrase, heard it in a surprising place, or want to hazard a guess. Bonus points if there’s a memory (funny, nostalgic, or otherwise) with it!

Can’t wait to read your stories and see who nails it!

— Sophia

 

[Hello Kitty]

Spoiler

Under skirt or slip. Usually made of lace to expand the skirt or dress.

 

[spiral]

Spoiler

My best friend in high school wore so many layers of crinoline she had trouble getting into her desk in class. They were really to much of a good thing!!!

 

[Marilea]

Spoiler

Fluffy nylon netting slip under a full skirt

 

[Samcmillen]

Spoiler

Crinoline is a half slip that makes your skirt/dress stand out

 

[RoyzToyz]

Spoiler

I believe that my grandchildren have not a clue to the meaning of the word crinoline or even the word petticoat. I am unsure if my seventeen year old granddaugter knows what a slip or half slip is or the reason for owning either one. So many of the homecoming and prom dress are so extremely shot that there is no need for even a half slip. I am old enough to remmber when girls wore garterbelts to keep their stockings from falling around their ankles, then came pantyhose to the rescure !

 

[Czech7985]

Spoiler

I am 75 yrs old and I somewhat remember crinolines. I may have worn them a few times, when I was in the 5-8 yr range. Then all of a sudden, they went out of style. I seriously doubt my daughters have ever heard the word nor would they know what crinolines are.

 

[Gayle B.]

Spoiler

An uncomfortable netting that scratches skin too much! It’s used to puff up a skirt or a dress! Hated them! As adults my husband and I needed an on base activity.There weren’t cooed dorms back in our base. We joined Round Dancing and Square Dancing. I made my own dress with a little help. It needed LAYERS of crinoline to look right while twirling and dancing! My husband wore regular pants and a long sleeve shirt. It was comfortable all evening on Tuesday and Thursdays. Not so for me wearing the stupid crinoline! Boo hiss!

 

[jtsisk62]

Spoiler

It's also known as tulle. It's the underlining in dresses that make them full. Prom dresses, wedding dresses, and other formal dresses have been known to have layers of them to make them nice and full.

 

[glojeans13]

Spoiler

Material used to make a big hoop type slip for under your skirts

 

[gmcgahee]

Spoiler

Crinoline was a fabric that was used to make slips, particular half-slips that would hold the skirt portion of the dress or skirt out in a bell shape. For some reason i wore a crinoline skirt in 1978 to work. It must have been some kind of dress up day because I can't imagine wearing one now! They were stiff and scratchy. Anyway, at lunch I had to make a quick run to the corner store. I had driven my husband's "big wheel" truck to work that day and it was rather difficult for me to get in and out of. I got to the store, which was very busy being it was the only store of its type within several miles, and it was so busy! I had to wait for a parking place. Well thank goodness it was not a long wait before I was able to park, but it still put me in a rush. I switched the truck off, opened the door to jump down out of the truck and wouldn't you it! The heel of my left shoe caught in that crinoline fabric and just yanked that slip all the way down to the grown while my right foot was still stuck up on the floorboard. There were so many people going in and out of the store, I have no idea how many got a good laugh that day. Of course, the crinoline slip was left in the truck and I "had no idea" what people were talking about when questioned! Haven't worn one since!