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Pants are a type of Clothing for the lower body. In American English, the term refers to '' Trousers '', while in British English, it is a shortened form of '' Underpants ''.


AMERICAN ENGLISH: TROUSERS

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In North American English , pants are a long outer garment worn at the hips, which in British English are called '''trousers'''

''Trousers'' an either be synonymous with ''pants'' or have a more formal Connotation . Therefore, all trousers are pants, but not Vice-versa ; jeans are pants but not trousers, while Slacks (formal pants) are both. This definition is consistent with other languages such as the Spanish ''pantalones'', which is contrasted with ''pantalones cortos'' ( Shorts , or literally "short pants").


BRITISH ENGLISH: UNDERPANTS

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In British English, ''pants'' are Undergarment s. The word is synonymous with '' Underwear '', '' Underpants '' or ''panties''. It is a catch-all term that can denote anything from G-string s to Boxer Shorts , but all have the common feature that they are worn under trousers, skirts or pyjamas. In Japan, the word ''pantsu'' (パンツ) is a Loanword from the English word ''pants'' and means ''underpants''.


Other uses in British English

  • The word "pants" is used to mean the same as trousers in parts of North West England.

  • The word "pants" has acquired humorous connotations in Britain in the last few decades, largely among younger people. Many Stand-up Comedians have used the word adjectively as a light Pejorative term, especially when substituting the word "pants" for other nouns in famous quotes or excerpts.

  • "Pants" can be used as a slang word for something that is below par. Its usage in this context originates from University students in Newcastle-upon-Tyne in 1993.



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