What is bed clothes slang for?

Good question! The term “bedclothes” is a bit old-fashioned, but here’s what it means in everyday language:

Meaning of Bedclothes

  • Traditional definition: Bedclothes usually refer to the sheets, blankets, quilts, or coverings you put on a bed.

  • Sometimes, in casual or regional use, people also say bedclothes to mean what you wear to bed (like pajamas or nightwear).

Slang or Informal Use

  • In slangy or old-style English, “bedclothes” can mean pajamas/nightwear (e.g., “He was still in his bedclothes at noon”).

  • It can also jokingly mean being lazy or still in bed (“She spent the whole weekend in her bedclothes”).

  • It’s not a modern term—today, people are more likely to say PJs, jammies, sleepwear, nightwear, or loungewear instead of “bedclothes.”

✅ So in short: “Bedclothes” can mean either the fabric on your bed OR your pajamas/nightwear—but in slang, it usually refers to pajamas in a cozy or slightly old-fashioned way.

Back to blog