tap pants

noun

, (used with a plural verb)

1. women's loose-fitting underpants.
2. women's loose-fitting shorts worn for exercising or other physical activity, as dancing.

Word History and Origins

Origin of tap pants¹

First recorded in 1975–80; after the earlier use of such shorts for tap dancing

Example Sentences

Bethany: Did you catch the champagne-colored silk tap pants and camisole …

From Seattle Times

It meant the same tees with teeny-weeny silk basketball shorts that looked kind of like a combination of diapers and tap pants, sharp-shouldered satin jackets, and seamed stockings.

From New York Times

Other pieces have discreet pleats, judicious embroidery and a sweet daintiness that makes each camisole or pair of tap pants feel like a special treat.

From Washington Post

Standouts from the Los Angeles Fashion Council shows, held on Tuesday and Wednesday included Rose La Grua's notably more grown-up collection of silk, linen and wool pieces, including tap pants, paper-bag waist shorts, flirty dresses and tops that came in a palette of muted beige and were inspired by her collection of vintage lingerie.

From Los Angeles Times

I had on little orange satiny pink tap pants — they looked fantastic, but he was outraged that I was walking around in my skivvies.

From New York Times