Estimated time: 10 minutes

Our story uses a few words that we don’t hear very often today. These old-fashioned terms can tell us a lot about how people lived long ago. Let’s explore one of them and learn the story behind it.

Periwig

A periwig was a fancy wig worn mostly by men from the 1600s to the early 1800s. Back then, wigs were very stylish. Some were made of real hair, and others were made from horsehair or shiny threads. They were tall, curly, and sometimes powdered white.

Wigs became popular when King Louis XIV of France started wearing one. When a king did something, everybody else wanted to copy him. Soon lawyers, judges, and important leaders wore them too, especially for special events or official work.

In our story, Godfather Drosselmayer wears a periwig made of “spun glass.” That means his wig wasn’t made of hair at all, but of thin, shiny threads that looked like glass. It would have looked unusual, artistic, and a little magical, which fits his quirky and mysterious personality.

Governess

A governess was a woman hired to teach and care for children in their home. Before schools were common or easy to reach, many families—especially wealthy ones—hired a governess instead of sending their children away to study.

She taught reading, writing, manners, basic subjects, and sometimes music or languages. A governess was different from a nanny, because she focused more on learning than childcare.

In our story, Marie and Fritz have a governess named Mademoiselle Trudchen. She helps look after them, teaches them, and guides their behavior. Having a governess shows that their family is well-off and values education.

Culottes

Culottes were short pants worn by men in the 1700s. They came down to the knee and were often paired with stockings and a jacket. This was the style for well-dressed gentlemen before long pants became common. In the story, the tiny figures inside Godfather Drosselmayer’s castle wear silk jackets and culottes, showing that their clothing matches the fancy fashion of that time.

Tapers

Tapers are thin candles that were used long before electric lights existed. They burned with a small flame and were often used in chandeliers or decorative candle holders. The castle in the story is lit with “half-inch candles,” or tapers, which would make the whole scene glow warmly and look magical.

Manikin

A manikin is a small figure shaped like a person. Today, we might call it a figurine or a little model. In older stories, the word often describes a tiny person-like toy with moving parts. In this chapter, Marie discovers a manikin dressed in fancy clothes.

Polonaise

A polonaise in this story is a type of long, fitted coat that was popular in the 1700s. It had lots of decorative buttons, loops, and trim. People wore it when they wanted to look stylish or elegant. The Nutcracker’s purple velvet polonaise helps show that he was dressed with great care, even if he does look a little unusual.

Hither and yon

Hither and yon is an old-fashioned way of saying “here and there.” People used this phrase to describe something moving all around a space in many directions. In the story, the mice scurry hither and yon, meaning they rush around the room in every possible direction.

Ad infinitum

Ad infinitum is a Latin phrase that means “again and again without stopping.” It describes something that feels like it could go on forever. When Marie watches the mice or the toys moving endlessly, it gives the feeling that their actions might continue ad infinitum.

Piferaris

Piferaris were musicians who played small pipes or flutes. They often performed folk music or lively tunes at festivals. In the story, they join the toy army’s band as volunteers.

Sentinels

A sentinel is a guard who stands watch to protect a place or warn others of danger. Fritz sets up sentinels among his toy soldiers to keep an eye out for mouse attacks.

Chasseurs

Chasseurs were fast-moving soldiers, usually light infantry. Their job was to move quickly, scout ahead, or support other troops. In the battle, they help free the other soldiers from their box.

Chatelaines

A chatelaine was a noble woman in charge of a large house or castle. The dolls cheering for the soldiers are compared to chatelaines, showing their elegant and commanding presence.

Cavalry

Cavalry refers to soldiers who fight on horseback. They can move quickly and charge into battle. Fritz’s Hussars are part of the cavalry.

Caisson

A caisson is a wagon that carries ammunition for cannons. In the story, one brave gunner sets fire to his caisson during the battle, creating a dramatic explosion that takes out many mice.