Short pants is the dated North American term for what most of the English-speaking world simply calls shorts or short trousers. The phrase carries a slightly old-fashioned or nostalgic flavour, evoking images of mid-20th century children's clothing and school uniforms. Today it mostly appears in period contexts, older speakers' vocabulary, or ironic usage — as in calling an adult out for wearing them as if they're still a kid. In contrast, British English has always preferred the term 'short trousers'.
His dad showed up to the board meeting in short pants and a polo shirt, completely unbothered by the horrified looks.
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(North America, dated) short trousers.
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Regional slang from around the English-speaking world — British, Australian, Irish, Caribbean, Nigerian, Filipino, AAVE, and the hyphenated-English dialects that make the internet sound local.
See all Regional & Other slang on Slangora.