In British slang, the term "pants" has two distinct and widely used meanings: it refers to underwear (specifically underpants or briefs), and it is also a common colloquialism to describe something as bad, terrible, or rubbish.
"Pants" as Underwear
In the United Kingdom, "pants" is the standard term for inner garments worn on the lower body, directly against the skin. This usage often causes confusion for those accustomed to American English, where "pants" refers to outer legwear (trousers).
- Example Usage:
- "I need to put on a clean pair of pants." (Meaning: underwear/underpants)
- "Make sure you change your pants every day." (Meaning: underpants)
To illustrate the difference in terminology for clothing, consider the following comparison:
| Garment Type | UK English Term | US English Term |
|---|---|---|
| Outer Legwear | Trousers | Pants |
| Undergarment | Pants / Underwear | Underwear / Underpants |
"Pants" as "Bad" or "Terrible"
Beyond its literal meaning, "pants" is a classic British slang term used to express disapproval or to signify that something is of poor quality, disappointing, or generally unpleasant. It's often used informally to convey that something is substandard or rubbish.
- Example Usage:
- "That concert was absolutely pants!" (Meaning: very bad/terrible)
- "My new phone is pants, the battery dies too quickly." (Meaning: bad quality)
- "Don't bother watching that show, it's totally pants." (Meaning: not good)
Understanding the context is key when encountering the word "pants" in British conversation, as its meaning can shift dramatically between referring to clothing and expressing a negative opinion.
