趣说比基尼

 　　正值酷夏，您是否曾想过穿着比基尼去海滩清凉一日？说起比基尼，除了它热辣时尚的形象外，您知道比基尼是如何诞生的吗？又如何来挑选一身适合自己的比基尼呢？本期乐学带您一起走进精彩的比基尼世界。

　　【比基尼的起源和发展】

　　趣说比基尼

　　比基尼一般指女性游泳时穿着的泳衣，这一名称原指太平洋上的无人岛屿"比基尼岛"。

　　[早期的比基尼]

　　The earliest evidence of the bikini is found on Greek urns¹ and paintings dating from 1400 BC, which feature pictures of women wearing a two-piece garment while playing sports. Its next surviving appearance is in a fourth century AD Roman mosaic² discovered in Sicily.

　　最早的比基尼证据是公元前1400年开始在希腊墓穴和绘画中发现的，图案上的女性身穿两件式服装在进行体育运动。接下来，比基尼的存在体现在公元4世纪西西里岛的罗马镶嵌画中。

　　Fast forward a few thousand years to the early 1900s and women were very conservative with their swimwear. Bathing suits completely covered the legs, arms and torso. During the 1940s, women in Europe started to reveal skin as World War II rationing³ pushed manufacturers to reduce the amount of fabric⁴ they used to make swimsuits. But it wasn't until 1946 that things really began to heat up.

　　几千年过后的20世纪早期，女性对泳衣非常保守。泳衣完全遮盖了腿部、手臂和身体。20世纪40年代期间，欧洲女性开始显露皮肤，因为二战时的定量配给使得制造商减少了制作泳衣的面料用量。但是，直到1946年，比基尼热才开始真正升温。

　　Women waited years for a bikini and then two came along! Parisian designer Jacques Heim debuted⁵ the atome, the world's smallest swimsuit. That same year, Louis Reard, a Parisian engineer, unveiled an even smaller suit to the world - made from just 30 inches of fabric. Named after Bikini Atoll, the Pacific Ocean site famous as the site of the first atomic bomb test, Reard hoped his invention would be just as explosive.

　　女性等了多年比基尼，后来一并出来了两款！巴黎设计师雅克·埃姆设计出了首款比基尼"原子"，也是当时世界最小的泳衣。同年，巴黎工程师路易斯·雷尔德向世界公布了一款更小的泳衣——仅用了30英寸的面料。雷尔德将其命名为"比基尼岛"，希望他的发明像原子弹一样具有爆炸性。比基尼岛是太平洋上的一座岛屿，因首次试爆原子弹而闻名。

　　[明星'带火'比基尼]

　　Beaches across the world tried to ban the bikini - the revelation of a woman's belly⁶ button was considered scandalous, even in the Fifties. But Reard received 50,000 fan letters proving public opinion felt otherwise. Hollywood heavyweights Marilyn Monroe, Rita Hayworth and Bridget Bardot were soon pictured frolicking on many a beach in such a two-piece.

　　世界各地的沙滩曾试图禁止比基尼，因为女性露出肚脐被认为是可耻的，即使是在50年代。然而，雷尔德收到了来自5万名比基尼迷的来信，信中证实了公众的观念全然不同。好莱坞重量级人物玛丽莲·梦露、丽塔·海华斯和碧姬·芭铎不久被拍到身穿两件式泳衣在许多海滩上嬉戏。

　　In 1960, Bryan Hyland released the song Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini. Two years later, Ursula Andress emerged from the sea in a white belted bikini in Sean Connery's first James Bond movie, Dr. No, and an icon⁷ was born.

　　1960年，布莱恩·海兰德推出歌曲《黄色圆点花纹小小的比基尼》。两年后，乌苏拉·安德丝在肖恩·康纳利主演的首部邦德电影《诺博士》中身穿白色吊带比基尼从海面浮出，一个偶像从此诞生。

　　The more bikinis grew in popularity, the smaller they became. Even Victoria Beckham wasn't immune to the power of a bikini and, along with Steps and Destiny's Child, the Spice Girls chose bikini tops for many a performance in the Nineties.

　　随着比基尼越发流行，它们也变得越来越小。即使维多利亚·贝克汉姆也抵挡不住比基尼的魅力，辣妹组合以及Steps和天命真女组合在90年代的许多场演出中都曾选择比基尼文胸。

　　[比基尼流行的时代]

　　These days, you're not anyone unless you pose poolside in your bikini. Not a day goes by when a celebrity⁸ isn't pictured on the beach in theirs, from 25-year-old Taylor Swift to Dame⁹ Helen Mirren when she was in her 50s. 2013 will go down in history as the year Beyonce wore that yellow two-piece for an H&M ad campaign.

　　现在，除非你身穿比基尼在泳池边摆拍一张照，否则便不会成名。从25岁的泰勒·斯威夫特到50多岁还拍比基尼照的海伦·米伦夫人，没有哪一天没有名人身穿比基尼在沙滩上拍照的。2013年这一年也因碧昂斯身穿两件式黄色比基尼为H&M做广告活动而载入了史册。

　　【比基尼的文化含义】

　　比起其他服饰，比基尼更突出地超越了其本来的功能，成为一种文化概念的语言。

　　It took 15 years for the bikini to be accepted in the United States. In 1951 bikinis were banned from the Miss World Contest. In 1957, however, Brigitte Bardot's bikini in And God Created Woman created a market for the swimwear in the US, and by 1963, the movie Beach Party, starring Annette Funicello and Frankie Avalon, led a wave of films that made the bikini a pop-culture symbol.

　　美国接受比基尼用了15年。1951年，比基尼在世界小姐选美比赛中被禁止。然而，在1957年，《上帝创造女人》中碧姬·芭杜的比基尼开拓了美国的泳衣市场，直到1963年，安妮特·富尼切洛和法兰基·阿瓦隆主演的电影《海滩派对》引领了一批电影热潮，使比基尼成为一种流行文化的象征。

　　People who are familiar with the history of Bikini Atoll may find the etymology¹⁰ and use of the word "bikini" for a garment as inappropriate, as its tongue-in-cheek "explosive" reputation effectively reduces the significance of a serious humanitarian¹¹ crisis to a mere¹² popular culture sex symbol in the minds of most people.

　　熟悉比基尼岛历史的人可能会觉得这一语源以及将"比基尼"一词用作服饰不大合适，因为其玩笑式的"爆炸性"名声有效降低了严肃的人道主义危机的意义，在大多数人看来，这只是流行文化中的性符号。

　　The bikini is a sex symbol that often makes the woman wearing it significantly more attractive in the eyes of men. Women often wear a bikini to impress men or to fit in with the other women in bikinis. Many magazines market themselves by placing a woman in a bikini on the cover. Men often just buy the magazine for the picture of the woman and women may buy it to learn how to look like the woman on the cover.

　　比基尼是性的象征，在男人的眼里，穿比基尼的女人通常更具吸引力。女人通常穿比基尼来给男人留下印象，或者与其她穿比基尼的女性表现一致。许多杂志将比基尼女孩放在首页进行推销。男性通常仅仅是因为杂志上女性的照片才购买，而女性购买杂志或许是为了学习怎样让自己更像封面女郎。

　　Because of the influence of the media, women try to lose weight before the summer so they can have the ideal "bikini body." These weight loss goals are often unrealistic and unhealthy. The image of the bikini in the media sometimes brings about eating disorders¹³ in people striving to have the "perfect" body. In reality, most women do not achieve their weight loss goals, but still wear bikinis anyway. That's why there are different styles of bikinis, in different sizes and in different colors to suit every woman's body type.

　　受媒体的影响，女性在夏天来临前都想减肥，这样她们才能有理想的"比基尼身材"。这些减肥目标通常是不切实际、不健康的。媒体上的比基尼画面有时会让努力实现"完美"身材的人造成饮食失调。事实上，大多说女性并没有实现减肥目标，但不管怎样仍然穿比基尼。这就是为什么有不同类型、不同大小和不同颜色的比基尼，适应不同女性的体型。

　　【如何挑选比基尼】

　　海滩度假当然要用比基尼来表现身材了，挑选可以扬长避短的款式尽显身材吧！

　　[梨型身材]

　　Pear-shaped women typically have a smaller top half, with wider hips¹⁴ and a shapely behind. When picking a bikini, pear-shaped women should stick to high-waisted designs that show off their curves. Steer¹⁵ clear of ruching, draping and pleating, as well as thick-banded bottoms, which will only serve to draw attention to the area. To conceal¹⁶ your hips, tie the bikini or a sarong with the ends drifting down one side of your body and opt¹⁷ for wedges to lengthen¹⁸ your legs.

　　梨形身材的女性通常上半身比较瘦，而臀部宽大，背影凹凸有致。挑选比基尼的时候，梨形身材的女性应该选择高腰的设计，这能突出自己的曲线。要避开各种垂坠和褶皱的设计以及厚重的下摆，因为这只会把大家的目光吸引到下半身。可以将比基尼打个结或围一个纱笼裙，裙摆偏向侧面，一定要高开叉，这样既能稍微遮住臀部又能显得腿长。

　　[丰满胸型]

　　If, like around 40% of women, you take a D cup or above, opt for a triangle top that ties at the neck; good support is vital for spreading your bust¹⁹ out width-wise while lounging around the pool. As for the bottom half, opt for substantial briefs to emphasize your derrière and balance your top half. Color wise, darker or brighter hues²⁰ are the most flattering; avoid pale shades like the plague.

　　如果你和戴D罩杯或以上的40%左右的女性一样，选择系在脖子上的三角形胸罩；当你在泳池里尽情遨游时，泳衣对胸部的支撑力至关重要。至于下半身，选择宽内裤来突出臀部，以此来与上半身达到平衡。而颜色方面，深色或者亮色为佳，避免暗淡的浅色。

　　[小胸身材]

　　If you're proportionally smaller on top with, say, an A or B cup, these tips are for you. Bandeau-style bikini tops are perfect for cheating a cleavage, as are ruffled²¹ tops. If you really want to go the extra mile, snap up a padded pushup top for extra lift. Accessory-wise, add lots of bracelets²² - including the oh-so-now gold tattoo²³ jewelry²⁴ - to draw attention to your arms, giving you a wider outline.

　　如果你是平胸，即戴A或B罩杯，那么以下是给你的小贴士。细丝带比基尼和带褶饰边的上装一样能挤出完美乳沟。如果想效果再好点，上衣就选带内衬有托举效果的款型。而装饰方面，戴上很多手链——包括抢眼的黄金珠宝纹身——把大家的注意力转移到你的手臂上，将视觉拉宽。

　　[曲线凹凸]

　　If you have a big bust, hips and thighs²⁵, it's all about highlighting rather than concealing²⁶ your curves, while simultaneously²⁷ providing enough support and coverage²⁸. Asymmetrical²⁹ suits are perfect for drawing attention to the neckline, while color blocking can help highlight your shape. Bigger bikini bottoms will help smooth things out. Choose eye-catching accessories that distract from your tummy - such as white-rimmed shades and a beach basket or bag.

　　如果你拥有丰满的胸部和臀部，大腿粗壮，这时应该强调你的曲线而不是弱化它，同时要有足够的支撑和遮挡。不对称的泳装有助于把大家的目光吸引到颈线上，而撞色系列的泳衣则有利于凸显你的曲线。大点的比基尼下装有助于将你的身材整体看起来更匀称。选择抢眼的首饰能够转移大家在你肚子上的注意力——例如白框太阳镜，沙滩篮或包。

1 urns   

n.壶( urn的名词复数 )；瓮；缸；骨灰瓮

参考例句：

• Wine utensils unearthed include jars, urns, pots, bowls and cups. 发掘出的酒器皿有瓶、瓮、罐、壶、碗和杯子。 来自互联网
• Ernie yearned to learn to turn urns. 呕尼渴望学会转咖啡壶。 来自互联网

2 mosaic   

n./adj.镶嵌细工的，镶嵌工艺品的，嵌花式的

参考例句：

• The sky this morning is a mosaic of blue and white.今天早上的天空是幅蓝白相间的画面。
• The image mosaic is a troublesome work.图象镶嵌是个麻烦的工作。

3 rationing   

n.定量供应

参考例句：

• Wartime austerities included food rationing and shortage of fuel. 战时的艰苦包括食物配给和燃料短缺。
• Food rationing was abolished in that country long ago. 那个国家早就取消了粮食配给制。

4 fabric   

n.织物，织品，布；构造，结构，组织

参考例句：

• The fabric will spot easily.这种织品很容易玷污。
• I don't like the pattern on the fabric.我不喜欢那块布料上的图案。

5 debuted   

初次表演，初次登台（debut的过去式与过去分词形式）

参考例句：

• In late 2003 a full-size SUV, the Pathfinder Armada, debuted. 2003年末，全尺寸SUV的探路者无敌舰队，推出。
• The album debuted at number two and quickly went platinum. 专辑一亮相就荣登排行榜第二名，很快就取得了白金销量。

6 belly   

n.肚子，腹部；(像肚子一样)鼓起的部分，膛

参考例句：

• The boss has a large belly.老板大腹便便。
• His eyes are bigger than his belly.他眼馋肚饱。

7 icon   

n.偶像，崇拜的对象，画像

参考例句：

• They found an icon in the monastery.他们在修道院中发现了一个圣像。
• Click on this icon to align or justify text.点击这个图标使文本排齐。

8 celebrity   

n.名人，名流；著名，名声，名望

参考例句：

• Tom found himself something of a celebrity. 汤姆意识到自己已小有名气了。
• He haunted famous men, hoping to get celebrity for himself. 他常和名人在一起, 希望借此使自己获得名气。

9 dame   

n.女士

参考例句：

• The dame tell of her experience as a wife and mother.这位年长妇女讲了她作妻子和母亲的经验。
• If you stick around,you'll have to marry that dame.如果再逗留多一会，你就要跟那个夫人结婚。

10 etymology   

n.语源；字源学

参考例句：

• The hippies' etymology is contentious.关于嬉皮士的语源是有争议的。
• The origin of OK became the Holy Grail of etymology.OK的出典成了词源学梦寐以求的圣杯。

11 humanitarian   

n.人道主义者，博爱者，基督凡人论者

参考例句：

• She has many humanitarian interests and contributes a lot to them.她拥有很多慈善事业，并作了很大的贡献。
• The British government has now suspended humanitarian aid to the area.英国政府现已暂停对这一地区的人道主义援助。

12 mere   

adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过

参考例句：

• That is a mere repetition of what you said before.那不过是重复了你以前讲的话。
• It's a mere waste of time waiting any longer.再等下去纯粹是浪费时间。

13 disorders   

n.混乱( disorder的名词复数 )；凌乱；骚乱；（身心、机能）失调

参考例句：

• Reports of anorexia and other eating disorders are on the increase. 据报告，厌食症和其他饮食方面的功能紊乱发生率正在不断增长。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• The announcement led to violent civil disorders. 这项宣布引起剧烈的骚乱。 来自《简明英汉词典》

14 hips   

abbr.high impact polystyrene 高冲击强度聚苯乙烯，耐冲性聚苯乙烯n.臀部( hip的名词复数 )；[建筑学]屋脊；臀围（尺寸）；臀部…的

参考例句：

• She stood with her hands on her hips. 她双手叉腰站着。
• They wiggled their hips to the sound of pop music. 他们随着流行音乐的声音摇晃着臀部。 来自《简明英汉词典》

15 steer   

vt.驾驶，为…操舵；引导；vi.驾驶

参考例句：

• If you push the car, I'll steer it.如果你来推车，我就来驾车。
• It's no use trying to steer the boy into a course of action that suits you.想说服这孩子按你的方式行事是徒劳的。

16 conceal   

v.隐藏，隐瞒，隐蔽

参考例句：

• He had to conceal his identity to escape the police.为了躲避警方，他只好隐瞒身份。
• He could hardly conceal his joy at his departure.他几乎掩饰不住临行时的喜悦。

17 opt   

vi.选择，决定做某事

参考例句：

• They opt for more holiday instead of more pay.他们选择了延长假期而不是增加工资。
• Will individual schools be given the right to opt out of the local school authority?各个学校可能有权选择退出地方教育局吗？

18 lengthen   

vt.使伸长，延长

参考例句：

• He asked the tailor to lengthen his coat.他请裁缝把他的外衣放长些。
• The teacher told her to lengthen her paper out.老师让她把论文加长。

19 bust   

vt.打破；vi.爆裂；n.半身像；胸部

参考例句：

• I dropped my camera on the pavement and bust it. 我把照相机掉在人行道上摔坏了。
• She has worked up a lump of clay into a bust.她把一块黏土精心制作成一个半身像。

20 hues   

色彩( hue的名词复数 )； 色调； 信仰； 观点

参考例句：

• When the sun rose a hundred prismatic hues were reflected from it. 太阳一出，更把它映得千变万化、异彩缤纷。
• Where maple trees grow, the leaves are often several brilliant hues of red. 在枫树生长的地方，枫叶常常呈现出数种光彩夺目的红色。

21 ruffled   

adj. 有褶饰边的, 起皱的 动词ruffle的过去式和过去分词

参考例句：

• She ruffled his hair affectionately. 她情意绵绵地拨弄着他的头发。
• All this talk of a strike has clearly ruffled the management's feathers. 所有这些关于罢工的闲言碎语显然让管理层很不高兴。

22 bracelets   

n.手镯，臂镯( bracelet的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• The lamplight struck a gleam from her bracelets. 她的手镯在灯光的照射下闪闪发亮。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• On display are earrings, necklaces and bracelets made from jade, amber and amethyst. 展出的有用玉石、琥珀和紫水晶做的耳环、项链和手镯。 来自《简明英汉词典》

23 tattoo   

n.纹身，(皮肤上的)刺花纹；vt.刺花纹于

参考例句：

• I've decided to get my tattoo removed.我已经决定去掉我身上的纹身。
• He had a tattoo on the back of his hand.他手背上刺有花纹。

24 jewelry   

n.（jewllery）（总称）珠宝

参考例句：

• The burglars walked off with all my jewelry.夜盗偷走了我的全部珠宝。
• Jewelry and lace are mostly feminine belongings.珠宝和花边多数是女性用品。

25 thighs   

n.股，大腿( thigh的名词复数 )；食用的鸡（等的）腿

参考例句：

• He's gone to London for skin grafts on his thighs. 他去伦敦做大腿植皮手术了。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• The water came up to the fisherman's thighs. 水没到了渔夫的大腿。 来自《简明英汉词典》

26 concealing   

v.隐藏，隐瞒，遮住( conceal的现在分词 )

参考例句：

• Despite his outward display of friendliness, I sensed he was concealing something. 尽管他表现得友善，我还是感觉到他有所隐瞒。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• SHE WAS BREAKING THE COMPACT, AND CONCEALING IT FROM HIM. 她违反了他们之间的约定，还把他蒙在鼓里。 来自英汉文学 - 三万元遗产

27 simultaneously   

adv.同时发生地，同时进行地

参考例句：

• The radar beam can track a number of targets almost simultaneously.雷达波几乎可以同时追着多个目标。
• The Windows allow a computer user to execute multiple programs simultaneously.Windows允许计算机用户同时运行多个程序。

28 coverage   

n.报导，保险范围，保险额，范围，覆盖

参考例句：

• There's little coverage of foreign news in the newspaper.报纸上几乎没有国外新闻报道。
• This is an insurance policy with extensive coverage.这是一项承保范围广泛的保险。

29 asymmetrical   

adj.不均匀的，不对称的

参考例句：

• Most people's faces are asymmetrical.多数人的脸并不对称。
• Folds may be gentle and symmetrical,or sharp and asymmetrical.褶皱可以是平缓而对称的，也可以是陡峭而非对称的。