underpants
B1Informal, but standard. Considered a polite, everyday term.
Definition
Meaning
A garment worn under outer clothes, covering the lower part of the body and the upper legs.
Can refer humorously or informally to any type of underwear for the lower body, or used metaphorically to indicate a state of being unprepared or vulnerable (e.g., 'caught with your underpants down').
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Typically used in the plural form. Implies a garment with separate leg sections, distinguishing it from a single-piece undergarment. Often associated with men's or boys' underwear, though can be generic.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'underpants' is a common, standard term for men's underwear. In the US, it is understood but less common than 'underwear' or specific terms like 'briefs' or 'boxers'; it can sound slightly old-fashioned or childish.
Connotations
UK: Neutral, everyday. US: May evoke images of traditional white cotton briefs or be associated with children's underwear.
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK English. In US English, 'underwear' is the default hypernym.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] + wear + underpants[Subject] + put on/take off + a pair of underpants[Subject] + be + in + (his/her) underpantsVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “caught with your underpants down (surprised/unprepared)”
- “get your underpants in a twist (become overly upset or agitated)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in retail contexts (e.g., 'the children's underpants section').
Academic
Virtually never used.
Everyday
Common in domestic and shopping contexts.
Technical
Used in textile or apparel design/engineering.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- He had an underpants-related misham.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I need to buy new underpants.
- He put on clean underpants.
- Don't forget to pack enough underpants for the trip.
- He realised he was still in his underpants when the doorbell rang.
- The hotel fire alarm went off, leaving tourists standing outside in their underpants.
- He sorted his laundry, separating the white underpants from the coloured socks.
- The comedian's routine about losing his underpants in the gym locker room had the audience in stitches.
- The metaphor of being caught with your geopolitical underpants down was apt for the sudden crisis.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: clothes that go UNDER your PANTS.
Conceptual Metaphor
UNDERWEAR IS A FOUNDATION/LAYER (e.g., 'the underpants of the outfit').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'трусы' which is a broader term for shorts/swim trunks. 'Underpants' is specifically underwear.
- Avoid direct calque 'подштаны' – it does not exist.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a singular noun (e.g., 'an underpant' – incorrect).
- Using it in overly formal contexts.
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is 'underpants' the most common, neutral term for men's underwear?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a plural noun. You say 'these underpants are...' or 'a pair of underpants'.
In British English, 'pants' alone usually means 'underpants'. In American English, 'pants' means 'trousers'.
It can, but it is less common. Terms like 'knickers' (UK) or 'panties' (US) are more specific for women's underwear. 'Underpants' is often used generically for children or specifically for men.
No, it is a standard, polite, though informal word. It is less clinical than 'underwear' and less childish than 'undies'.
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