''i'm going to rouge my knees, pull my stockings down'' - why?!?

Question

In the song 'All that jazz' from the musical Chicago, they sing ''i'm going to rouge my knees, pull my stockings down''
why would you want to rouge your knees? why would it be attractive? is it supposed to make it look as though you've been on your knees, or something?

Answer 1

In the 1920's, rouging one's knees was a popular make up fad. It was considered pretty and 'healthy' looking - as we now think of cheeks.

Rolling down your stockings was a way of being sexy - women's legs were still considered risque ... long skirts were still being worn. To show your legs was the equivalent of today wearing a micro-mini skirt and bikini top.

Don't forget - a mere 100 years ago, this was a very puritanical country!

Answer 2

I've wondered about that lyric since I bought the album back in 1976.

I don't know the answer but my thinking is that it's set in the Roaring Twenties.
The Flapper was the girl who danced the Charleston, etc. The Flapper wore a sleeveless dress (and shaved their armpits, first time ever for women), had short hair and a kinda fringed dress that was just at the knee.

I think this may have been the first time that much leg was exposed in public -- so.....

putting some make-up on the knee might make it more attractive.
maybe it would draw the eye.
maybe it would be darker and shadow it some so it's not so pronounced.

It's a mystery to me ... but I've been thinking on it and all that jazz.

Answer 3

Rouging Definition

Answer 4

I think in the twenties, rolling down your stockings and putting color on your knees was considered sexy, just as in the 50's and 60's wearing very long stockings with short garter straps was very sexy. My mom says she used to shorten her garter straps ans wear a larger size stockings so she could wear a short tight skirt in the 60's.

Then pantyhose came in and there they covered the whole leg. Now the younger girls like my 15 year old sister all think stockings and thigh highs are the hottest thing. The more things change, the more they, repeat themselves when it comes to fashion.

Answer 5

Well if it's just plain colourless or dull you may need to especially if you intend on wearing those above-the-knee clothes!!!!

Answer 6

I think it means getting rug burn on your knees from having sex...youv'e got to pull your stockings down for that don't you?
I didn't see it but that's the first thing that came to mind............

Answer 7

yes, that is what it means. You are right. I'm not sure why things like that are meant to be attractive, I think it has more "sexual" connotations than attractive ones.