You Say Bra, I Say B-R-A! Examining the Proper Way to Spell Bra
Bra, bra, bra Its a word weve all seen, heard and said throughout our lives. Yet, when it comes to spelling, theres a bit of disagreement among grammar enthusiasts. Some argue it should be spelled B-R-A while others say BRA. So, how should it be spelled? Is one form more correct than the other? Lets take a closer look and find out.
As it turns out, both spellings are correct, depending on the context. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, B-R-A is the preferred spelling for the word as it pertains to womens lingerie while BRA, which is an acronym for brassiere, appears to be more popular when talking about the garments themselves. This means that if youre writing about setting up a lingerie shop or talking about purchasing a bra, chances are you want to use the B-R-A spelling.
Not convinced? Consider this the word bra has been around since about 1590, and stemmed from an abbreviation for Brassiere. After all, the French are the ones to thank for equipping women with this undergarment. The B-R-A spelling appears in all dictionaries and is the preferred version for the word in the written form.
Many assume that bra is short for the phrase brassiere and only the acronym BRA should be used, however, this is incorrect. It doesnt matter if youre referring to the garment or the word itself, when it comes to writing, B-R-A is the one you should be using. This is why it’s important to be mindful of the words that you use and how you spell them. Ignorance is not always bliss when it comes to proper spelling.
In the same vein, theres an argument that B-R-A should always be used in formal situations, which makes sense. While if you’re texting your best friend about a new piece they just bought, BRA may fly. But, for a newspaper article, B-R-A should be used without exception. After all, the correct spelling should be taken seriously, and everyone should be on the same page when it comes to the English language.
So, there you have it. If youve ever asked yourself the question Should I spell it B-R-A or BRA? the answer is definitely the former. Stick to B-R-A for a more formal context, such as a newspaper article, and BRA while texting your best friend. Make sure you understand the context and are aware of the purpose behind the words that you are writing. That way, everyones all on the same page when it comes to bra spelling.
Now lets expand further on this topic and look at how bras have evolved throughout the centuries.
It was originally believed that the idea of the bra was first conceived by a Frenchwoman back in the late 19th century. She made a moveable shoulder strap that helped to lift the breasts, offering an extra layer of support to the ladies back then. Since then, bras have come a long way and gained immense popularity among the female population.
The improvement in the materials and cuts of bras has improved fit and comfort and opened up many new designs and fashion options. One revolutionary style is the balcony bra, which is known for its curved and contoured plunge which flatters all shapes and sizes. Thanks to modern designs, there is now more coverage and improved support making it easier for women to find lingerie which suits them perfectly.
Bras have also gone high-tech in the 21st century. Now, you can find them with multi-way straps and back closures alongside support, breathability, and lift for many women. Bras with light padding, convertible straps, and support panels are a major upgrade from that moveable shoulder strap from century ago.
Whats more, in terms of colors and patterns, the designs have become bolder and more beautiful. Gone are the days where white, cream, black and beige are the only bra hues. Women can now go for bright colors such as aqua, blue and pink, or choose from fragrant floral prints. Sheer and lacey designs as well as lace overlays give ladies for additional options for their lingerie ensembles.
At the same time, bras are not just about delivering extra support – theyre also about empowering womens self-expression. This is especially true for lingerie that reframes flat chested figures and redefines curvy ones, giving people the opportunity to show off their individual body shape and beauty. Moreover, through fashion events, lingerie designers are continually pushing the boundaries, showcasing lingerie that is risky, sultry and outright sexy.
Of course, if you are ever in doubt about spellings, use the dictionary as a reliable reference point. With the range of varied spellings, it can be hard to know where to draw the line. The English language is filled with a multitude of spellings and using the dictionary is a great place to start double-checking. Additionally, commercial spell checkers are also able to help you with specific words that may not make sense or confuse you.
At the end of the day, spelling B-R-A or BRA depends on the situation. While the former is the preferred spelling for the written word, the latter appears to be more popular when referring to the garment itself. Whichever you decide to use, it pays to understand the context and be aware of the purpose behind the words that you are writing.
