poke bonnet

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "poke bonnet" is not correct in English and does not convey a clear meaning.
It seems to be a misinterpretation or misspelling of "poke the bear" or "put a bonnet on," but without context, it's unclear how to use it. Example: "I didn't mean to poke the bear by bringing up that topic at dinner."

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The fashion for small hats, which began in the 1860s, brought the era of the poke bonnet to an end.

Britannica

The size of the poke bonnet increased until, in 1830, a woman's face could not be seen except from directly in front.

Britannica

One girl shivering in the rain wore a charming frock of pale blue organdie muslin trimmed with rows of narrow Valenciennes lace and a pale blue poke bonnet with ribbons and little rosettes of pale pink.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She sets off along the road in poke bonnet and shawl to find a safe place away from the farm to lay her eggs.

Wikipedia

Jemima's shawl reflects the typical farm dress of the Lake District at the time of the tale's composition, but the poke bonnet does not, and the fox's long tail coat and exquisite manners also suggest another time.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

It sponsors lectures, organizes exhibitions (currently "The Language of Hats: From Poke Bonnets to Pillboxes, From Top Hats to Homburgs") and oversees a collection that includes 4,000 photographs, ceramics, tools, textiles, store signs and furniture.

The New York Times

RYE -- "Language of Hats: From Poke Bonnets to Pillboxes, From Top Hats to Homburgs," display of more than 80 hats from the museum's collection; exploring how hats made statements about the wearer and his or her status (or lack of it) in society.

The New York Times

He shoots a dice-player; he becomes part of a silent chaingang who are whipped as they toil; a crowd of whitey poke-bonnets and toppers barters for black flesh.

The Guardian

As she sits there, hair cut, a few strands poking out of her bonnet, her nose big, her mouth a grim line, she is the opposite of idealised royalist portraiture.

The Guardian

The shadows of the chilly house and the cover of frilly bonnets allow her to poke around in "all the secret love things", indulge in "overblown, romantic language", and to mess around generally.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Her hair, poking out from under her nurse's bonnet, appeared to be a curly wave.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing historical fashion or costumes, use the term "poke bonnet" to accurately depict a bonnet with a projecting brim that was popular in the 19th century. This is particularly relevant in historical novels, costume design, or museum descriptions.

Common error

Avoid using "poke bonnet" loosely to describe any type of bonnet. It refers specifically to a bonnet with a pronounced projecting brim designed to shade the face, not just any head covering. Ensure the context is appropriate for this specific type of historical headwear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "poke bonnet" functions primarily as a noun phrase, specifically identifying a type of headwear. It serves to name and describe a specific kind of bonnet characterized by its projecting brim. As Ludwig AI shows, it's commonly used in contexts discussing historical fashion.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "poke bonnet" refers to a specific style of woman's bonnet popular in the 19th century, characterized by a projecting brim designed to shade the face. While grammatically correct, its usage is rare and primarily found in historical contexts. As per Ludwig AI, it is acceptable but infrequent. The term is most commonly encountered in encyclopedias, news articles, and historical texts. When writing about fashion history or historical costumes, use "poke bonnet" to accurately depict this specific style of headwear. Remember that it is not a general term for all bonnets, but rather refers to a bonnet with a distinct projecting brim.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bonnet with a brim

Focuses on the key feature of the "poke bonnet", the projecting brim, describing it more generically.

brimmed bonnet

A concise way of describing a bonnet that features a brim, highlighting a core attribute.

sunbonnet

Refers to a similar type of bonnet designed to shield the face from the sun, differing mainly in material and typical usage.

shade bonnet

Focuses on the shading function of the bonnet, emphasizing its practical use.

calash

Another type of historical bonnet, typically larger and designed to protect elaborate hairstyles, offering a different style and purpose.

fashionable bonnet

Describes the bonnet as a stylish item, emphasizing its role in fashion history.

Victorian bonnet

Specifies the era of the bonnet, highlighting a specific time period of fashion.

period head covering

Similar to "historical headwear", this term emphasizes the item's association with a particular time period.

historical headwear

Broadens the category to include any type of head covering from the past, less specific but related.

women's head covering

Generalizes the term to any head covering worn by women, less specific but broadly related.

FAQs

What is a "poke bonnet"?

A "poke bonnet" is a woman's bonnet, popular in the 19th century, characterized by a projecting brim that extends forward to shade the face.

When was the "poke bonnet" most popular?

The "poke bonnet" was most fashionable in the early to mid-19th century. Its popularity declined with the rise of smaller hats in the 1860s.

What are some other types of historical bonnets?

Other types of historical bonnets include the "sunbonnet", calash, and various styles of Victorian bonnets, each with distinct features and purposes.

In what contexts would I use the term "poke bonnet"?

The term "poke bonnet" is best used when discussing historical fashion, particularly in historical novels, museum exhibits, or costume design. It accurately describes a specific type of bonnet worn in the past.