missus

Everyday

1. (informal, UK, Ireland, Australia, NZ) A man's way of talking about his wife or partner: the missus. tree →
2. (informal, UK) A way to address a woman you don't know, especially in old-fashioned or working-class speech: «Need a hand, missus?» tree →
3. (informal) Mrs. tree →
4. The mistress of a house, the woman in charge of a home where someone works, as used in old-fashioned speech. tree →

In the lessons

Heard in everyday British, Irish and Australian talk and in stories: «I'll have to ask the missus». It is friendly but casual; some women find it old-fashioned or rude. Phrases: the missus, me missus (slang).

Examples

• «I'd better get home to the missus,» said Uncle Pete. tree →
• «Morning, missus!» called the milkman. tree →
• The missus and I are going on holiday. tree →
• «Ask the missus if she wants a cup of tea.» tree →
• «You dropped your glove, missus.» tree →
• Grandad still calls Gran «the missus». tree →
• "By virtue of my three feathers may the copper be lit, and the clothes washed, and mangled, and folded, and put away to the missus's satisfaction." tree →

Note

Informal; not used in formal writing — say «wife» or «Mrs». Also spelled «missis». Usually with «the»: «the missus». Comes from «mistress». Some people find it disrespectful.