Fishtail

Fishtail is a term used in various fields to describe forms or motions that resemble the tail of a fish. It commonly appears in fashion, hairstyling, botany, and vehicle dynamics, among other contexts.

In hairstyling, the fishtail braid is a two-strand plait that mimics the delicate pattern of a fish’s tail. It is created by extracting small sections from the outer edges of each strand and crossing them over to the opposite side in an alternating sequence. The result is a finer, multi-part braid that differs from a traditional three-strand plait.

In fashion, the term fishtail refers to a fishtail hem, a skirt or dress design in which the back portion extends into a longer, tapered point that resembles a fish tail. This silhouette creates a dramatic sweep and is often used in formal wear and wedding gowns.

In botany, the fishtail palm describes several palm species in the genus Caryota. These palms have distinctive, bifid leaflets that resemble a fish tail, making them a popular ornamental plant in tropical and subtropical landscapes.

In automotive contexts, fishtailing describes a loss of rear traction on slippery surfaces, causing the rear of the vehicle to swing sideways. It can occur during acceleration, braking, or cornering on ice, snow, or wet roads. Corrective action typically involves steering into the skid and easing the throttle.

See also fish tail.