Small items or articles of clothing, especially underwear; or in historical contexts, small goods or wares.
From 'small' (Old English meaning 'not large'), used as a noun by adding the plural '-s.' The term for undergarments emerged as Victorian slang and is still used in British English.
The word 'smalls' reveals how class and euphemism work together—when people were uncomfortable naming body parts or underwear directly, they created coded terms that persist in regional dialects even after taboos fade.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.