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The term "knickerbockers" refers to loose-fitting short pants gathered at the knee. This style of garment is also known as "knickers" or "knee breeches". The word originated from the fictitious author Diedrich Knickerbocker, created by Washington Irving for his satirical work A History of New York. Because early Dutch settlers in New York wore these types of pants, the name "Knickerbocker" became associated with New Yorkers. In British English, "knickers" can also refer to underpants.12345

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