wifebeater

or wife-beat·er

[ wahyf-bee-ter ]

noun

1. a man who beats his wife.
2. Slang: Offensive. a white, sleeveless, close-fitting man’s undershirt, often worn as an outer shirt.

Word History and Origins

Origin of wifebeater¹

First recorded in 1650–60 wifebeater fordef 1 and in 1990–95 wifebeater fordef 2; wife ( def ) + beater ( def )

Example Sentences

Long before Simpson became known as a wifebeater and accused of murder, he became a pioneer at the intersection of athletics and business.

From Salon

"The statue in Newark has Floyd seated on a park bench wearing a 'wifebeater' shirt," Whitlock wrote.

From Fox News

He was wearing clothes the police had scrounged up for him at the station, this torn-up wifebeater that was way too small, pants so short on him they looked like capris.

From Literature

The wifebeater shirt can equally be a pinstripe suit.

From Washington Post

He’s in a wifebeater and pillow marks zigzag across his face.

From Literature