Request for information: Gym Knickers

To return to the original subject, and Corncrake's evidence:


Does this mean gym knickers were worn for all lessons ie, "gym knickers" simply meant "school uniform knickers", not particularly associated with PE? If so, that's quite different from what others have said. Possibly a regional variation or English/Scottish divide? (I believe PinkAngel was educated in England)

In the US the panties/knickers that cheerleaders wear under their short skirts are called "spankies". Many firms sell them under that name. That would be a perfect word to replace all those other words for women's underpants.

At my senior school this was when boys showed the results of recent punishments by putting their bruised bottoms on display for their classmates. It was probably just youthful bravado but most boys seemed to be more proud that embarrassed when they presented their striped backsides for inspection. I recall that there was usually at least one of my classmates whose bum was showing the effects of a recent caning.