Trousers

Trousers

/หˆtraสŠzษ™z/
Noun United Kingdom

Pants/slacks.

Example Sentences

"That's a proper Trousers, that is."
"I've never seen such a Trousers in all my life."

Etymology & History

British term for pants, from Irish Gaelic 'triubhas'. In British English, 'pants' means underwear, 'trousers' are outer leg garments. The American/British split occurred in the 19th century. 'Put your trousers on' is British, American 'put your pants on' sounds like undressing to British ears. Major source of transatlantic confusion.

Word Details

๐Ÿ“
Region
General British
๐Ÿ“…
Era
Victorian
โœ“
Language
Mild
๐Ÿ’ฌ
Formality
Informal
Categories:
Anglotopia's Dictionary of British English 2nd Edition Book Cover

Anglotopia's Dictionary of British English 2nd Edition

British Slang from A to Zed

By Jonathan Thomas

๐Ÿ“š Over 2,000+ British Slang Definitions!

Know Another Definition?

Share Your Knowledge

Your email address will not be published.