trophy wife
1 synonym for trophy wife, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A young, attractive wife regarded as a status symbol for an older or wealthy husband, the implication being that she was chosen for display rather than partnership.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
arm candy
How to use trophy wife
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a trophy wife
trophy wife stereotype
trade her in for a trophy wife
Informal and judgemental. Best avoided in reporting or professional writing unless you are quoting someone or discussing the term itself.
Etymology
A compound of trophy, in the sense of a prize put on display, and wife. Trophy comes via French trophée from Greek tropaion, a monument raised at the spot where an enemy was routed.
Full origin of trophy wife →Frequently asked questions
Is "trophy wife" an insult?
Almost always, yes. It dismisses the woman as decorative rather than a person in her own right, and implies the husband bought her company with money or status. It is very rarely a label anyone applies to themselves except jokingly or in defiance.
What is the difference between a trophy wife and arm candy?
Arm candy is any attractive companion brought along for appearances, with no marriage or commitment implied, and can be of any gender. A trophy wife is specifically a spouse, and the term carries an added suggestion of a lasting, transactional arrangement.
Is there a male equivalent?
"Trophy husband" exists and is used, though far less often and usually more lightly, sometimes even approvingly. The asymmetry is itself part of why the female term draws criticism.
