noun

trophy wife

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Trophy wife (noun) means 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. Example: “The tabloids never called her anything but a trophy wife.”

noun

informal, usually derogatory 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.

"The tabloids never called her anything but a trophy wife."

"At sixty he divorced and reappeared with a trophy wife half his age."

"She was David's fourth wife. Twenty-four years his junior, they both knew why they were together. David was filthy rich, and Belinda was a trophy wife. In fact, this was her third time around in this career: Being a trophy wife." — George G. Nyman, Love Lost in Time Relativity (2013)

How to use trophy wife

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA much younger, good-looking wife who is treated more like a possession to show off than a partner.

When to use it

Informal and judgemental. Best avoided in reporting or professional writing unless you are quoting someone or discussing the term itself.

Memory tip

Two words, no hyphen, and it is a noun phrase — "she is a trophy wife", never "she is trophy wife".

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

arm candy gold digger → sugar baby trophy husband

Common pairings

a trophy wife trophy wife stereotype trade her in for a trophy wife

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The tabloids never called her anything but a _____.

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.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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arm candy

Rhymes for trophy wife

Ife wife life fife rife knife strife midwife midlife lowlife wildlife penknife

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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.

What is the meaning of trophy wife?

"trophy wife" (noun) means 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.