Wardrobe Malfunction

A wardrobe malfunction is a euphemism for accidental indecent exposure of intimate parts. It is different from flashing, as the latter implies a deliberate exposure. There has been a long history of such incidents, though the term itself was coined in the mid 2000s and has become one of the... Read More

A wardrobe malfunction is a euphemism for accidental indecent exposure of intimate parts. It is different from flashing, as the latter implies a deliberate exposure. There has been a long history of such incidents, though the term itself was coined in the mid 2000s and has become one of the most common fashion faux pas.

The expression was coined by singer Justin Timberlake after an incident during the 38th Super Bowl (American football) tournament in February 2004. During the half-time show, Timberlake and singer Janet Jackson were performing a duet containing suggestive dance moves. As the song reached the final line, Timberlake pulled off part of Jackson's costume, and in doing so revealed part of her right breast, cameras immediately cutting to an aerial view of the stadium. In a statement, Timberlake is quoted: 'I am sorry that anyone was offended by the wardrobe malfunction during the halftime performance of the Super Bowl … It was not intentional and is regrettable.' See Less