underpants

Everyday

1. Underpants are a piece of underwear worn under trousers or a skirt, covering the bottom and the private parts. tree →
2. In the UK «underpants» are usually men's or boys' pants; in the US the word is used for anyone's. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life and funny stories («Captain Underpants», «Aliens Love Underpants»), underpants make children laugh. In health and safety lessons on the body, pupils learn that the parts covered by underpants are private — the «pants rule» in the UK. Phrases: «a pair of underpants», «clean underpants».

Examples

• Don't forget to pack clean underpants for the school trip. tree →
• Grandad buys a new pair of underpants every Christmas. tree →
• Captain Underpants is a superhero in a funny book series. tree →
• The underpants rule says your private parts belong to you. tree →
• My little brother ran into the garden in his underpants. tree →
• Socks and underpants go in the top drawer. tree →

Note

Plural noun: «my underpants are clean», not «is». Count them with «a pair of»: «two pairs of underpants». UK: «pants» means underpants; US: «pants» means trousers — a common trap between British and American English. Short form: «undies» (informal).