boob tube: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2informal, humorous, dated
Quick answer
What does “boob tube” mean?
A tight-fitting, strapless top worn by women.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A tight-fitting, strapless top worn by women.
A television set (colloquial and humorous, primarily North American).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, it exclusively refers to clothing. In North America, it primarily refers to television. The clothing sense is understood in North America but is secondary and less common.
Connotations
Both senses are informal. The clothing sense can be mildly playful or old-fashioned. The television sense implies criticism or mockery of the medium's perceived mind-numbing quality.
Frequency
Both senses have declined in general use. The clothing sense is being replaced by 'tube top' or 'bandeau'. The TV sense is now somewhat dated slang.
Grammar
How to Use “boob tube” in a Sentence
She wore a [Adjective] boob tube.He spent the evening [Verb + -ing] in front of the boob tube.The [Noun] was on the boob tube.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “boob tube” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- She chose a boob-tube dress for the party.
American English
- He's a typical boob-tube addict.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Used in casual conversation among friends, often humorously or critically.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “boob tube”
- Using it in formal writing. Confusing the two regional meanings in international communication. Using it to refer to a top with straps.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is informal and slightly old-fashioned. While not inherently offensive, the word 'boob' is slang for breast, so some may find it mildly impolite in the clothing context. The TV sense is just humorous slang.
'Tube top' is the standard, neutral term in both the UK and US. 'Bandeau' is also common, especially for a similar style of swimwear top.
It's a pun. 'Boob' is an old-fashioned slang for a foolish person. The metaphor suggests television turns viewers into 'boobs' or fools, and it is a 'tube' due to the cathode-ray tubes in old TVs.
Only in very informal contexts like personal blogs, social media, or direct speech in fiction. It is unsuitable for academic, business, or formal journalistic writing.
A tight-fitting, strapless top worn by women.
Boob tube is usually informal, humorous, dated in register.
Boob tube: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbuːb tjuːb/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbuːb tuːb/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Boob-tube zombie (someone who watches TV mindlessly).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
BOOB (slang for a mistake or foolish thing) + TUBE (a cylindrical container). A 'foolish container' for either your torso (clothing) or your mind (television).
Conceptual Metaphor
TELEVISION IS A MIND-NUMBING CONTAINER. CLOTHING IS A CONTAINER FOR THE BODY.
Practice
Quiz
In North American slang, what does 'boob tube' most commonly refer to?