Kawei-tor du ra

(What are you wearing?)

A Clothing and Dressing Vocabulary for Golic Vulcan

This is a supplement to the basic VLD (Vulcan Language Dictionary), containing many common words referring to clothing that were omitted from the original. 

Several of the words included here do appear in the VLD and are used as a base for evolving the new words (and such words are colored blue). Most of the words in this list are neologisms. All are derived from or, I believe, logically grow out of existing words or phonemes, where such is possible (in some cases, no root word or concept exists).

There are many new basic words such as Bezh'a, the verb to knot, and Thal-shom, meaning Casual. Most of the new words, however, refer to clothing in one way or another.

There are 117 new words in this list. Now, at last, you can answer the question, “What are you wearing?”

D’zhit-pa-es t’sai-vel

(General clothing terms)

Note: this header contains a neologism. There is no VLD word for “term” as a word. But zhit means word and dzhinaya means reference, so d’zhit: reference word or term. (D’zhit-pa-es t’sai-vel: term-general of’clothing)

’Af

(Affix)

Referring to a connection or joining.

Bezh’a

(verb)

To knot, to tie strings into a knot, to entangle.

Bezh’an

(noun)

A knot, (generic), a fastening made by tying strings or threads to form a connection; a mass of chaotically tangled threads or hairs.

Bezh’an-gonaf

(noun)

A button in the form of a complex knot, as in frogging (see: gonaf-pakuv).

~Buhk

(Affix)

Indicating a symbol or marker.

El’ru-ai

(noun)

Glove, a covering for the hand.

Elaf-el’ru-ai

(noun)

Half-glove or finger-less glove.

Kawan

(Present participle)

Wearing, to be wearing clothing or ornament.

Kawei-tor

(verb)

To wear, to place upon the body as clothing or ornament.

Gonaf

(noun)

Button, a small fastener for fabric, designed to pass through a slit or button hole.

Gonaf-pakuv

(noun)

Button loop, a loop of string designed to loop over a button to hold a garment closed.

Gonaf-razh

(noun)

Button hole, a slit or hole in a piece of fabric designed to accept a button to keep a garment closed.

Ka’

(Affix)

“~Wear” an affix indicating a style of clothing, e.g. Formal wear (ka’hotor), evening wear (ka’khru), e.g.:

Ka’hotor, Formal wear

Ka’khru, Evening wear
Ka'ne, Underwear

Ka’thal-shom, Casual wear

Ka’torvukh, Sports wear
Ka'vel, Uniform (wear)

Ka’y, Ritual wear

~Kuv

(Affix)

Circular, surrounding, enclosing.

K’wadi

(adjective)

Naked or nude (lit: of skin)(Note: as opposed to unclothed, sai-fam, this term is more commonly used by Vulcans to denote nudity. Lacking cultural taboos regarding nudity, Vulcans do not see being naked as a state of being without clothing, but as a normal physical state which simply is.)

Lamok-talu-kuv

(noun)

Stand-up  or high collar

Mem’nan

(Present participle)

Dressing. The act of putting on clothing

Mem’ne

(Irregular strong verb)

To dress, the act of donning clothing to cover the body.

Shasu’buhk

(noun)

A symbol or set of symbols indicating “identity:” house, family, school, occupation, ritual association, etc. Worn as an ornament over, or attached to clothing. Sometimes they are jeweled, often not.

Ofi-tipan

(noun)

Ceremonial epaulets, fabric or otherwise structured ornaments for the shoulders. Come in various styles.

Punau

(verb)

To wrap, to cover or enclose in a soft material such as cloth or paper

Punaya

(noun)

A wrap or soft covering

Sai

(noun)

Cloth or fabric

Sai-fam

(adjective)

Unclothed (lit. cloth-without)(Note: see k’wadi) Revised definition.

Sai-vel

(noun)

Clothing (generic), covering for the body, generally made of cloth or other supple material such as leather

Shiraf-tal’af

(noun)

An electrostatic seam connecting two pieces of fabric along an edge, (a high-tech zipper)

Skek’mem

(noun)

Dressing (a medical bandage)(included for context and reference)

Talu’kuv

(noun)

Collar, the part of a garment that encircles the neck

Talu’kuv-elk

(noun)

A yoke or very wide collar. More often worn as part of ritual clothing. Sometimes also describes the shoulder portion of an article of clothing.

Talu’kuv-tor

(verb)

To collar, to place in a collar, or put a collar on

Tersek

(noun)

A buckle, of a belt or other fastening

Thal-shom

(Adjective)

Casual, informal

Ut’

(Affix)

To bind, wrap, or encircle

Y’

(Affix)

Indicating ritual or ceremonial

Y’oka’sai

(noun)

Ritual clothing (lit: clothing worn for honorable rituals)

Zh’e-dor

(noun)

A turned-back or folded-back piece of fabric. A lapel

Zh’e-tal-kuv

(noun)

A turned-back collar

Pelal heh ka’abru

(Robes and outer wear)

A note on robes: for vulcans, robes serve the function of ceremonial wear, formal wear, “business attire,” and casual wear. Both men and women wear similar robes and gender is not typically indicated by style, except that a woman’s sash (san-wun) is often tied below the breasts, rather than around the waist or hips. 

The standard arrangement for semi-formal wear is a light under robe (ne’ahn), followed by a “close robe” (beyip) which wraps left over right and fastens at the side with a few frogs (bezh’an-gonaf) or electrostatic seams (shiraf-tal’af). Often this is all that is worn as daily dress. A simple sash (san-wun) can be worn over the beyip. In semi-formal surroundings, such as a business or walking in public, a light formal robe (mos’opelal) is typically worn over the beyip though, while working, the mos’opelal is often set aside, much in the same way a terran suit jacket would be. 

For more formal wear, a si’peleal, or outer robe, is worn over the beyip, in a contrasting color, such that only the collar of the beyip can be seen. A more elaborate sash (osan-wun) typically consisting of two or three bands, is usually worn over this. The sash is often accented by the wun-elakh, an elaborately-tied cord cincture. Finally, the formal opelal or “honorable robe” is worn, open at the front, usually with the lapels (zh’e-dor) turned back in another contrasting color. The symbols of C’thiya are commonly embroidered on the right lapel when the wearer has completed their Kohlinar training (sometimes those who have begun, but not completed, their Kohlinar training also wear the C’thiya. Even those who have only a passing or philosophical association with C’thiya will have their robes so embroidered, though this is considered pretentious).

Ak’shem-ai

(noun)

A close-fitting garment covering the body from neck to feet. Lit: body-glove. See: t’pol. Also, typically worn under a y’osalan-sai (q.V.) (See: search for spock, minor celebrants at ceremony).

Ar’kada-pal

(noun)

A light work jacket, similar to a lab coat

Beyip

(noun)

Light robe, or “close robe,” often worn under other robes, or over a light under tunic (ne’ahn). The front wraps left over right and is attached on the right side. Worn as casual wear for business or other activities. May be worn with a san-wun.

M’ai-wem

(noun)

Dress (a woman’s dress). A close-fitting, long-sleeved, floor-length dress, often worn with a light opelal. Similar to a pel-ahn.

Mos’opelal

(Non)

A “soft” or light version of the more formal opelal (q.v.). Worn on less-formal occasions.

Opelal

(noun)

A heavy “honorable robe” (formal robe) often with broad shoulders, loose sleeves, and a wide hood, worn open at the front to show a contrasting si’pelal. Typically, “c’thiya” is embroidered on the right lapel (zh’e-dor) of this garment.

Pel-ahn

(noun)

A light ankle-length garment, typically with long sleeves (similar to a cassock or thawb) often worn as casual everyday dress. Crosses left over right to fasten at the right shoulder. Typically not worn with a san-wun. Looser and more utilitarian than a beyip.

Pelal

(noun)

Robe (generic), a simple floor-length garment for formal or casual wear by either sex. Note that there are many different types of robe.

Pel-pen

(noun)

Medium-length robe, wrapped left to right and fastened on the right side with several buttons. Typically knee-length with wide half-or 3/4-sleeves and belted about the waist with a san-wun or san-zhel. Sometimes worn with malanu, often not.

Pel-pen-zh’e

(noun)

A short robe or jacket, similar a to-pal-el, worn as outer wear. Fastens at the middle. It is cut or turned away to the sides showing the trousers (malanu or malapen) worn beneath.

Pi’to-sai

(noun)

Small cloak. A light cross between a robe and a cloak, typically worn over a beyip, pel-ahn, or m’ai-wem. (T’Pol’s mother, T’Les, is seen wearing one over a m’ai-wem when she meets Tucker in the ENT episode, “Home.”)

Puna-ti

(noun)

Shawl, a light covering worn wrapped around the shoulders.

Salan-sai

(noun)

A “cloak of breezes.” A sheer, draped, sleeveless garment, open or lightly fastened at the front, worn casually around the house on hotter days. Often brightly-colored and patterned.

Si’pelal

(noun)

An outer, sleeved robe, usually of heavier and elegant fabric, worn over the beyip and under the opelal. A sash (san-wun) is worn over the si’pelal.

To-pen

(noun)

A cope or short cape. Typically has a hood and wide lapels which extend below the lower edge in front. (Spock can be seen wearing one when he arrives on the bridge of the enterprise in ST:TMP.)

To-sai

(noun)

A cloak. A long, calf- or floor-length garment, typically with a hood and openings at the sides to allow the arms to pass through. Similar to an opeleal, though more utilitarian. Seldom made of costly fabric. (Sarek wears one in “The Search for Spock.”)

Tipan-dosh

(noun)

A ritual vestment, similar to a narrow chasuble. A strip of heavy fabric, shoulder-width or slightly broader, with a hole in the middle for the head. Most narrow as they descend, some come to a point. Worn over the y’osi’pelal.

Tipan-zhvi

(noun)

A ritual vestment rather like a rationale, worn across the shoulders and draped down the front and back. Often with cut-outs to reveal the y’osi’pelal beneath.

To-pal

(noun)

Coat, a heavy outer garment with long sleeves, often with a hood, worn in cold weather (rare on Vulcan). Fastens down the front. Knee or floor length.

To-pal-el

(noun)

A light jacket of hip- or thigh-length or a bit longer, open at the front, not typically worn closed. Usually has a high collar. A generally utilitarian piece of clothing worn for everyday use.

Y’opelal

(noun)

Honorable robes of ceremony/ritual, like an opelal, only more so. Worn with more elaborate under robes.

Y’opel-pen-zh’e

(noun)

A ceremonial jacket, knee length, open to the front with the edges turned back or cut away to reveal the malanu or legs beneath. Often sleeveless.

Y’osalan-sai

(noun)

A ritual cloak of breezes. A sheer, draped, sleeveless garment worn for ritual functions, typically by lesser celebrants. Usually the y’sala-sai is a solid, neutral white, worn over a white ak’shem-ai (q.V.) (See: search for spock)

Y’osi’pelal

(noun)

A ritual outer robe, often worn under a tipan-zhvi

San-zhel heh san-wun

(Belts and sashes)

Typically, a sash is worn as a part of most daily dress, except a simple be yip or pep-ahn. It is also not worn with a jacket, especially if the jacket is worn open, like a to-pal-el.

The ends of a sash can be worn long, sometimes nearly to the ground or, at other times, a stylized knot (san-bezh-af) is tied to keep the ends close and flat against the san-wun.

Osan-wun

(noun)

Honorable sash, typically consisting of two or three bands, each a bit wider than a typical san-wun.

Pi’san

(noun)

A child’s sash, worn as a baldric across the chest, carries family and school markings (see: Shasu’buhk)

San-bezh’af

(noun)

A sash knot, a stylized knot that lays flat against the san-wun.

San-wun

(noun)

Sash, a strip of cloth worn wrapped around the body, typically to hold a robe in place.

San-wun-elk

(noun)

A wide sash

San-zhel

(noun)

A belt, a strip of cloth or leather worn around the hips, often with a buckle (tersek) to keep it in place.

San-zhel-elk

(noun)

A wide belt, often composed of two or three narrower belts, with several buckles 

Wun-elakh

(noun)

An elaborately-tied cord cincture worn with a formal osan-wun (q.v.)

Sav-el

(Shirts)

Typically made of lighter-weight fabric than a coat, robe, or jacket, and shorter than a robe.

Abru’sav-el

(noun)

An “over shirt,” not a shirt worn over other shirts but, rather, a shirt which is drawn on over the head and has no seams or fastenings. Typically has long sleeves.

Abru’pen-sav-el

(noun)

A short-sleeved over shirt which is drawn on over the head and has no seams or fastenings.

Pel-el

(noun)

A “robe-shirt” that wraps across the front, left over right, like a robe. Typically covers the tops of the thighs. Typically worn with trousers (malanu) and a mos-opelal as casual “business-wear.” Often fastened with a light sash (san-wun)

Pen-el

(noun)

A short-sleeved shirt

Sav-ahn

(noun)

A shirt rather like a pel-ahn, but extending only down to the hips, or a bit more. Worn as casual wear with malanu.

Sav-el

(noun)

Shirt (generic). A covering for the torso and arms.

Malanu

(Trousers)

Malanu

(noun)

Pants, trousers

Malapen

(noun)

Short pants, typically knee length, or a bit shorter

Mala’torvukh

(noun)

Sports pants, typically quite short

Pi’mal-kan

(noun)

A child’s short pants, similar to briefs, worn by children of either sex. (Young spock can be seen wearing them in the TAS episode, “Yesteryear.”)

Ut’malapen

(noun)

Short pants which bind below the knee, often so as to tuck into the top of boots, knickers.

Patem  heh Wein-tor na'patam

(Hats and head-coverings)

Azh’salan

(noun)

A veil or “wind mask.” A light cloth worn across the face to protect from blowing dust.

Azh’wein

(noun)

Mask, (noun) (generic) a covering for the face

Kuvor-talk

(noun)

A simple, close cap that covers the back of the head, with cheek pieces cut high to expose and highlight the ears

Ozhup’ai

(noun)

Ceremonial crown worn by officials for highly-formal events

Patam-puna-ti

(noun)

A head shawl, to cover the head and shoulders, typically worn close to the hair (see Winona Ryder as Amanda Grayson in ST:2009). 

Patam-wun

(noun)

Head sash, a cloth wrapped around the forehead, typically bound at the back with an elaborate knot. (Note: patam, meaning head, not patem, meaning hat.)

Patem

(noun)

Hat (generic). The generic term for all hats.

Patem-sai

(noun)

Traditional hat. A high-crowned hat with a forward-curved crown and the brim turned up in a band around the lower edge in a contrasting color. Worn throughout vulcan society, though its use is waning outside of ceremonial occasions.

Patem-eik

(noun)

Wide-brimmed hat. Generally worn as protection from the sun.

Pid-talk

(noun)

High cap, similar to a taquiyah

Pi’tark

(noun)

A coronet (see note at crown)

Talk

(noun)

Cap (generic). A small covering for the head, typically with little or no brim. Similar to a yarmulke.

Tarkiv

(noun)

A crown. Vulcan no longer has kings and queens and no reason, other than ritual, to wear crowns. Eldest mothers and house leaders wear crowns for ceremonial purposes. Younger house leaders wear coronets for the same reason.

Tark-oyel

(noun)

Star coronet. Notable for the two horn-like projections which rise above the band, near the front, representing the red eye and the white. Worn at many ceremonial events.

Y’okuvor-talk

(noun)

A ritual, close cap that covers the back of the head, with cheek pieces cut high to reveal the ears

Y’opatam-wun

(noun)

A ritual head sash, wrapped around the forehead.

Y’opatem-sai

(noun)

Traditional ceremonial hat (also y’opatem-rezh or ~tekkek depending on the style, meaning, and use).

Y’ozhup’ai

(noun)

A ritual ceremonial crown

Y’svit azh’wein

(noun)

A ritual “middle mask” covering the nose and mouth, used for certain ceremonial functions. Derived from an ancient desert mask designed to protect the nose and mouth from dust.

Zhup’ai

(noun)

High-crowned hat, typically with little or no brim, often has the lower edge turned up with a contrasting inner fabric, often split and turned out at the back. Worn for formal events or as a craftsman’s traditional clothing. Similar to a patem-sai, but lower and without the forward-facing curve.

Ash-el heh ash-ai

(Shoes and socks)

Ash-ai

(noun)

Sock, a soft foot covering that typically also covers the ankle and a portion of the calf.

Ash’ai-kuv

(noun)

Garter, a ribbon or binding typically worn above the knee, usually with some form of ritual symbol or markings. Worn under the clothing by religiously-minded Vulcans. Not typically worn in everyday clothing. (Note: ash'ai-zhel is the VLD version of this word. I have modified it to reflect an already existing affix, 'kuv, which refers to things which wrap or encircle.)

Ash-el

(noun)

Shoe, a generic name for a sturdy covering for the foot.

Ash-wu

(noun)

Stocking, a foot and leg covering that typically covers up to the upper thigh. Note, this is seldom a “nylon” or women’s silk-type stocking. Vulcan women would not typically wear something so impractical. These are worn almost entirely for ceremonial purposes.

Kluf

(noun)

Boot. Vulcan boots seldom rise above the knee.

Kluf-neik

(noun)

Ankle boot, a boot that extends just above the ankle bones.

Kluf-zh’e

(noun)

A knee-high boot with the top turned down to reveal a contrasting lining.

Mezh-ahi

(noun)

Tabi, a short, stiff, ankle-high sock with a separate pocket for the large toe, typically worn with mezh-ash (sandals).

Mezh-ash

(noun)

Sandal. An open-toed shoe made of leather straps, or other material.

Vaukh-soo

(noun)

A covering for the lower leg, rather like a gaiter. Lit: calf-wrap. Typically only worn for ceremonial purposes or when traveling in the desert.

Ka’ne

(Undergarments)

Abru-soo

(noun)

A woman’s undergarment which supports the breasts. A brassiere. Colloquially, “abru.” (Lit: over-wrap) (Note: the VLD word, thasek-dah’haf (“breast-??”), Is Marketa vulcan, this addendum is Golic).

Ne’ahn

(noun)

Under robe. Similar to a simple cotton night gown, often with 3/4 sleeves. Usually white or pale-toned. Typically ankle-length. Often has a high collar which can be seen above the collar of a beyip or pel-ahn.

Ne’ak’shem

A close-fitting, single-piece, elastic undergarment that covers from the neck to the knees and has short-sleeves or is sleeve-less. Worn by both sexes. Most versions for women have built-in breast support.

Ne’pen

(noun)

Close-fitting under pants or panties, worn to cover the groin and buttocks by both sexes. Commonly made of a semi-elastic fabric.

Pi’toh

(noun)

A simple, wrapped covering for the genitals consisting of a rectangular panel and a cord to tie it in place. Archaic, worn only for certain ceremonial purposes or by the tradition-minded. Similar to a fundoshi.

Ka’vel

(Uniforms)

Ak-shem-vel

(noun)

A close-fitting, single-piece uniform typically worn only by officers (see T’Pol). Worn by both sexes.

Ar’kada-vel

(noun)

Work uniform. A loose-fitting, single piece uniform. Typically worn only by enlisted personnel.

Ka’vel

(noun)

Uniform (generic). Clothing worn for official or military wear.

Mala-vel

(noun)

Uniform pants

Ope’wuh-vel

(noun)

A dress or formal uniform

Sa-vel

(noun)

Uniform shirt, tunic (Note: yes, this word is nearly homophonic with sav-el, a generic shirt. The entire difference is in the inflection. We should have homophones and homonyms; they exist in any real language.)

-Vel

(Affix) 

Indicating a uniform of a given function, e.g.: 

Ek’tal-lan-vel, science officer’s uniform

Hasuk-lan-vel, medical officer’s uniform, etc. 

Khart-vel, captain’s uniform

Lansu-vel, officer’s uniform

Nensu-vel, crewman’s uniform

(Note: this list contains a neologism, Lansu (officer). The VLD lists various officers by rank, but does not contain a generic word for “officer.” Thus, Lansu (officer person or, technically, rank(ed) person).

Ek’zeru

(Jewelry)

Jewelry is complex enough to require a post of its own, so I am listing only a few generic items here.

Kal’ek’zer

(noun)

Earring, an ornament for the ear. (Note: not kaluk-makov. There is no reason that Vulcans would necessarily think of an ornament for the ear as being a “ring.” Kaluk-makov is just a direct translation of the FSE words. By definition, this dictionary must go in the opposite direction: from Golic Vulcan to FSE. So my word for earring is a combination of kaluk (ear), and ek’zer, (jewel). Assuming that both of those would have been slightly contracted centuries ago into kal’ek’zer: ear-jewel. Not a huge change, but more logical.)

Ut’ozh

(noun)

Ring. A band of metal or other material that wraps around a finger, often bejeweled. (Note: Makov (ring), is a circular object of any type, from a rubber o-ring to ring around the collar. A piece of jewelry is an ut’ozh. These are the kinds of distinctions which need to be added and refined within the VLD.)

Ut’talu

(noun)

Necklace, a sold necklace, like a torque, often bejeweled.

Vik’talu

(noun)

A necklace made of chains, cords, thongs, etc. Often bejeweled.

Dif-tor heh smusa

-- T'Lara