N (plurale tantum). Men'
s shoes or
boots with very pointed toes, such as were popular with male delinquents in the 60s, such as Chelsea
boots, Beatle
boots, or lesser known makes with even pointier toes. Synonym: fenceclimbers; cockroach killers. Etymology: All three terms refer to humble uses for pointy toes--picking your nose, climbing chain link fences, killing cockroaches taking refuge in a corner. Usage note: In many areas, the term was embellished with group or ethnic names or slurs.