Underpants Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🩲

Add to dictionary

underpants

[ˈʌndərpænts ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

clothing

Underpants are a type of underwear worn under outer clothes, typically covering the lower part of the body from the waist to the thighs.

Synonyms

boxers, briefs, underwear.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
underpants	A general term used to describe any type of clothing worn underneath pants and close to the skin. He quickly grabbed his underpants before getting dressed for school. Make sure to pack enough underpants for the trip.
underwear	A broad and general term that encompasses all types of clothing worn under outer garments, including both men's and women's garments. She folded all her underwear and put it neatly in the drawer. Underwear should be changed daily for good hygiene.
boxers	A type of loose-fitting underpants often preferred for comfort and breathability. Considered more casual and often worn by men. He prefers wearing boxers because they are more comfortable. These new boxers have a fun pattern on them.
briefs	A type of underpants that fits snugly and provides more support. Often considered more formal and appropriate for active wear. Athletes often wear briefs during competitions. He likes how briefs provide better support during workouts.

Examples of usage

They were embarrassed when their underpants were accidentally shown.
She bought a pack of cotton underpants for her trip.
He always wears clean underpants.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Fashion

In the 1950s, elastic waistbands and various fabrics revolutionized men's and women's underpants, increasing comfort and support.
Underpants have evolved in styles, including boxers, briefs, and thongs, catering to different preferences for comfort and practicality.
Branding and advertising have made colorful and patterned underpants a fashion statement, leading to a variety of designs.

Cultural References

In many cultures, undergarments symbolize modesty, with certain designs or fabrics dictating social norms.
The children’s book series 'Captain Underpants' humorously elevated the idea of underpants into a superhero context, emphasizing fun and adventure.
In comedy, underpants often serve as a humorous prop, illustrating embarrassment or playful situations in various films and shows.

Health and Hygiene

Wearing clean and breathable underpants is essential for maintaining genital health and hygiene.
Materials like cotton are preferred for underpants because they are soft, breathable, and absorb moisture effectively.
Changing underpants regularly is part of daily hygiene routines and can prevent issues like chafing or infections.

Childhood and Play

Children often find the topic of underpants funny, leading to many jokes and playful references in cartoons and shows.
Pretend play with stuffed animals or toys sometimes involves dressing them in underpants, helping kids understand clothing in a fun way.
Underpants featuring popular cartoon characters are often beloved by children and may include prints that relate to their favorite shows.

Origin of 'underpants'

Main points about word origin

The word 'underpants' combines 'under,' meaning below, and 'pants,' a term for trousers, highlighting their position underneath outer clothing.
The term became popular in the early 20th century, distinguishing it from other forms of underwear.
Historically, the development of underpants became necessary with the rise of tailored suits and changing fashions in the 1800s.

The term 'underpants' originated in the mid-19th century as a combination of the words 'under' and 'pants', referring to the garment worn under other clothing to cover the lower part of the body. Over time, underpants have evolved in style and fabric, becoming an essential part of everyday clothing for both men and women.