Etimology and the meaning of the cravat

The term "tie" in English derives from "to tie a cravat" and represents in fact one way of tying the neckwear, which has developed from the original cravat. The word "cravat" derives from the French "cravate" - "Croat", since it was Croats who popularized the fashion of wearing a scarf tied around the neck.

Cravat - A scarf or band of fabric worn around the neck as a tie.

What does a cravat say?

There is no colour, pattern or shape that popular psychology will not associate with a certain character trait. According to some psychologic research, in their stripes, colours, squares and dots cravats hide habits, vices and whims of their owners.

If one is interested in making witty remarks when passing someone in the street, here is a list of necktie colours and patterns that will tell one what is happening behind the official facade.