Words to know - "spats"

Spats are stiff fabric covers covering the top of the shoe and extending up the lower part of the leg. Spats, especially white ones, are worn on highly-polished black shoes,

"I can well understand how a New Englander comes to be mistaken for a Brit. Every time I went to Boston (or elswhere in the Colonies) I always met many natives who were more British than the real thing. (Monocles, spats, walking sticks, etc.) It's pure affectation. Of course, you might not be a Bostonian but please don't worry … "

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