Expert: Jaycie - 7/1/2010

Question
QUESTION: Why cant they use the following

Instead of using the word "Petite" for short people, why cant they just use the word "Short"

So did I read into the word "Petite". Beverly is 4'11" and I am 5'6"

Today I went to give my younger nephew his birthday present and he and my older nephew know I love clothes so they were teasing me about my blouse. I was wearing a floral print. Any way later on when I was home I was on the telephone with my friend and I told her about my two nephews teasing me. Later on I went up to her apartment to show her the blouse my nephews were teasing me about (the one I am wearing now).

Beverly said you look fine and the blouse is pretty. Ok but then she said this "I need a smaller print because I am petite - you can carry it because you are tall".

She reassured me petite means height.

So did I read into the word "Petite" Then when I came down to my apartment I called her on the telephone and Marty her husband answered and then he put Beverly on and she yelled into my ear on the phone "Petite means height - havent you ever heard of the word" so I played dumb and said no - and she "You go into department stores and they have the petite department who do you think those are for - short people"

ANSWER: Petite doesn't only mean short, it's pretty much just small all around. You'll notice that in stores, their petite clothes look more like teen clothing at times. It's just a term that they use for someone who is small in height and other ways as well.

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QUESTION: YOU ARE TOTALLY WRONG

ANSWER: I am not wrong. Petite is a french word meaning a small, feminine frame. It doesn't just mean short. Yes, short people can be petite and petite people are short but it also includes your weight and appearance. I don't appreciate you asking for help when you already know the answer. Don't ask me if you already have your mind made up. That's not why I'm here.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I looked it up on line and I asked a teacher and you my dear are totally wrong. And you didnt even read it in context with my friend and I

Answer
I don't appreciate you telling me that I'm wrong when I'm right. Just because it's not the answer you're looking for doesn't mean it's wrong. Look up the definition of petite in Webster's. It says a small, feminine figure. It can be someone who is short but it also takes total size into consideration. Petite models, for example, are actually fairly tall but they are just skinny.

And you didn't ask a question about you and your friend. I answered the question you asked me. That's my job.