Spats

You may know the word “spat” as a four-letter clue in a crossword puzzle. You also may recognize it as what happens when you have a misunderstanding with your significant other that gets slightly out of hand.

We had one of those recently (since resolved) which reminded me of a more obscure meaning of the word. Persons of a certain age will recall spats as an article of clothing for the feet. Some fashionistas may still advocate their use. Other than covering poorly shined shoes, I never could figure out their purpose.

Basically, spats are made of thick cloth and cover the instep to the ankle. You buttoned them on. In fact, the buttons are part of the visual impact. The dictionary says spats even may reach higher than the ankle. To wear spats showed you were “the cat's meow,” a flapper-era expression describing the well-dressed man or woman of that era.

I remember my father wearing pearl gray spats with black buttons. They went well with his homburg hat, overcoat and cigar. He cut a dashing figure.

I'm pretty sure Jimmy Cagney sported spats when he played George M. Cohan in the movie, “Yankee Doodle Dandy.” Did Fred Astaire also wear them in his earlier movies with his sister Adele and/or Ginger Rogers? Maybe. My memory isn't that good.

Anyway, keep an eye out for spats. They could be the next retro fashion statement.

And if you come across “spat” in a crossword puzzle, try “tiff.” Or vice versa.

If you’re otherwise involved in either, it's best to make up quickly. A hug will usually do the trick.