21 MARCH 1914, Page 15

"SKIVVIES."

[TO TIM EDITOR or TIE " SFICTAT0e."/ Si,—Your correspondence on the word " skivers " reminds me of a local usage which I am at a loss to explain. The term " skivvies " is used in speaking of domestics, and quite recently a professional man in strain going to Leeds observed: "The women-folk of this town spend most of their time

gossiping about their 'skivvies.'" I should be glad to know the derivation of the word in this sense.—! am, Sir, dtc., .11ighfleld Place, Gs°. THEO. LOWE. 74 New North Road, Huddersfield.