Cravat

Orianna2000 · Jul 30, 2011

Not sure if this is the right place to ask this, but how many people know what a cravat is---without looking it up?

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When I asked my husband, confidant he would know, he hadn't a clue what I was talking about. So now I'm doubting whether I should use the term or not. I need to describe what a character is wearing and "an old fashioned fluffy necktie" is way too many words to use when I could just say he's wearing "a cravat".

If it helps, I'm envisioning the kind that's wrapped around the neck a few times and then tied into a loose bow at the throat. Very old fashioned, evoking images of the 18th century or early 19th, despite the fact that the scene takes place in the 28th century.

How many readers are going to know what I'm talking about, and how many are going to stumble over the word? The book's genre is not historic, but rather a cross between sci-fi and romance.

mirandashell · Jul 30, 2011

I would think most people know what a cravat is. Although maybe more over here than where you are.

Becca_H · Jul 30, 2011

I didn't. I actually guessed it might be some kind of crack in something (although I'm confusing that with crevice).

Orianna2000 · Jul 30, 2011

mirandashell said:
I would think most people know what a cravat is. Although maybe more over here than where you are.

Yeah, I've heard the word used on Torchwood, so I understand it's more likely to be known in the UK. But what about readers on this side of the pond?

Alessandra Kelley · Jul 30, 2011

I know what it is. So does my husband. My kids (10 - 15) seemed at a loss, although they've read "Through the Looking Glass."

Kenn · Jul 30, 2011

Orianna2000 said:
Yeah, I've heard the word used on Torchwood, so I understand it's more likely to be known in the UK. But what about readers on this side of the pond?

I know what one is, but it is something I picture somebody like David Niven wearing, rather than the old fashioned type that you describe.

Maryn · Jul 30, 2011

I'm in the US and I know.

Maryn, all smarty-pants

Evonus · Jul 30, 2011

I had no idea, but I read my a dictionary close at hand! I like it when books teach me new words, so I think you should go ahead and use it.

Becca_H · Jul 30, 2011

Evonus said:
I had no idea, but I read my a dictionary close at hand! I like it when books teach me new words, so I think you should go ahead and use it.

Don't forget that Kindle et al. will define words that a reader doesn't understand, or at least it does on my iPad.

It makes it easier to use clever words without annoyance.

Bracken · Jul 30, 2011

Orianna2000 said:
Not sure if this is the right place to ask this, but how many people know what a cravat is---without looking it up?

*
*
*
*
*
*

When I asked my husband, confidant he would know, he hadn't a clue what I was talking about. So now I'm doubting whether I should use the term or not. I need to describe what a character is wearing and "an old fashioned fluffy necktie" is way too many words to use when I could just say he's wearing "a cravat".

If it helps, I'm envisioning the kind that's wrapped around the neck a few times and then tied into a loose bow at the throat. Very old fashioned, evoking images of the 18th century or early 19th, despite the fact that the scene takes place in the 28th century.

How many readers are going to know what I'm talking about, and how many are going to stumble over the word? The book's genre is not historic, but rather a cross between sci-fi and romance.

I think most people.
They actually came back into vogue for awhile during the early 70s, so... it's not like they're some archaic fashion that hasn't been seen or worn in the past century.

Becky Black · Jul 30, 2011

I definitely do, but I'm British and the word is still in widespread use here - though cravats aren't worn much except for with formal dress. Also, I read a lot of historical romance, especially Regencies. Lots of cravats there!

I believe "ascot" is the term used in America for the more modern version of the cravat, but that doesn't sound like it's what your character is wearing. Definitely sounds more like the Regency version. Hmm, not sure what to tell you in the end. It's the right word, but if readers can't look it up right away - like on a Kindle - then they won't get what it is.

What about the character whose point of view you're using in that scene? Would they know a cravat when they see one? Or would they just have to describe what they saw and don't have a name for it beyond "neck tie"?

Maryn · Jul 30, 2011

Good point, Bracken. I am sorely tempted to spend time I shouldn't seeking pictures of celebrities in cravats. Warren Beatty, white suit, cravat--I can see it!

Maryn, who somehow resisted buying her man a cravat

ETA: Okay, it's Al Pacino, not Warren Beatty, and it's in a role, but still... http://www.sofacinema.co.uk/guardian/images/products/1/17491-large.jpg

Snick · Jul 30, 2011

Everyone worth considering knows what a cravat is.

Orianna2000 · Jul 30, 2011

Becky Black said:
What about the character whose point of view you're using in that scene? Would they know a cravat when they see one? Or would they just have to describe what they saw and don't have a name for it beyond "neck tie"?

The POV is the man's daughter, and she's the one calling it a cravat. I could just make up a name, considering it's seven hundred years in the future. I mean, who knows what they'd actually call it . . . but I thought it would be better to use something that at least some people would be familiar with.

AmsterdamAssassin · Jul 30, 2011

I'm Dutch and I know it. Most people over here with 'yachts' will sport a cravat, so it's sort of snobbish, but with panache.

By the way, how many people know what panache is without looking it up?

Chase · Jul 30, 2011

I knew what it was. I'm sure one time or other in my preteens I saw it used in a book or article and asked a teacher or looked it up.

At 13, it was a word gifted to me in spelling bee. I remember being glad I paid attention.

Orianna2000 · Jul 30, 2011

AmsterdamAssassin said:
By the way, how many people know what panache is without looking it up?

I do . . . but then, apparently I'm cursed with a too-large vocabulary.

mirandashell · Jul 30, 2011

I know.

Chase · Jul 30, 2011

AmsterdamAssassin said:
By the way, how many people know what panache is without looking it up?

Oh, be serious. Panache is what makes Popeye strong.

CaroGirl · Jul 30, 2011

I know what a cravat is (and what panache means). I asked my kids (who speak French). Dd (11) knows. Ds (14) does not. Go figure. I'll ask my husband, whose vocabulary is much smaller than mine, and get back to you.

As far as I'm concerned, it's not an uncommon word and most readers should understand it, particularly in context.

Orianna2000 · Jul 30, 2011

Thanks for all the replies! I'll probably go ahead and keep "cravat" in the story. If the reader doesn't know what it is, they might be able to figure it out based on the context. Or maybe I'll add some kind of clue to help them figure it out.

Alessandra Kelley · Jul 30, 2011

I know what "panache" means. And I use "heterodox" in casual conversation. My vocabulary is not typical.

Susan Coffin · Jul 30, 2011

Scarf?

Did not know, except your wonderful description in your post.

IceCreamEmpress · Jul 30, 2011

The word far more commonly used in 18th century England and North America was "neckcloth". Does that help or hinder you?

Alessandra Kelley · Jul 30, 2011

IceCreamEmpress said:
The word far more commonly used in 18th century England and North America was "neckcloth". Does that help or hinder you?

Would that be the same as "neckerchief?"

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