Casual

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French & Late Latin; Anglo-French casuel, from Late Latin casualis, from Latin casus fall, chance

• Date: 14th century

Definitions

• 1 : subject to, resulting from, or occurring by chance <a casual meeting>
• 2 a : occurring without regularity : occasional <casual employment>

b : employed for irregular periods <a casual worker>

c : met with on occasion and known only superficially <a casual friend>

• 3 a (1) : feeling or showing little concern : nonchalant <a casual approach to cooking> (2) : lacking a high degree of interest or devotion <casual sports fans> <casual readers> (3) : done without serious intent or commitment <casual sex>

b (1) : informal, natural <a casual conversation> (2) : designed for informal use <casual clothing>

Description

In the European tradition, casual is the dress code which emphasizes comfort and personal expression over presentation and uniformity. It includes a very wide variety of costume, so it is perhaps better defined by what it isn't than what it is. The following are not considered casual wear:

• Ceremonial dress such as royal robes and full dress military costume
• Formal wear such as white tie and black tie
• Suits

Blue jeans and a T-shirt have been described as the "casual uniform". With the popularity of spectator sports in the late 20th century, a good deal of athletic gear has influenced casual wear. Clothing worn for manual labor also falls into casual wear.[1]

See also

• Formal