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Meaning & use

trophy partner

noun·Advancedinformaldisapproving

Last updated

UK/ˈtrəʊfi ˌpɑːtnə/
US/ˈtroʊfi ˌpɑːrtnər/
Usage warning: this word is disapproving. It shows a negative opinion, so take care with who and what you use it about.

Meanings

  1. nouncountableinformaldisapproving

    A romantic partner chosen mainly because they look attractive or improve the other person's social image.

    Grammar: Countable: you can say 'a trophy partner' or 'trophy partners'.

    Patterns

    • someone's trophy partner
    • be seen with a trophy partner

    He arrived at the party with a much younger trophy partner on his arm.

    The gossip columns love to call any attractive spouse a trophy partner.

  2. nouncountabledisapproving

    A person who is treated as a symbol of someone's success rather than as an equal.

    Grammar: Often used with 'just' or 'nothing but' to emphasize the insult.

    Patterns

    • treat someone as a trophy partner
    • be nothing but a trophy partner

    She left him because she felt she was just a trophy partner in his business world.

    Calling her a trophy partner ignores her own career and talent.

Word forms

pluraltrophy partners

Common combinations

a young trophy partner
He showed up with a young trophy partner at the reunion.
be accused of having a trophy partner
The politician was accused of having a trophy partner to boost his image.
trade in for a trophy partner
After the divorce, he traded in for a trophy partner half his age.
the classic trophy partner
She was the classic trophy partner: beautiful, quiet, and always smiling.

Synonyms and how they differ

trophy wife
More common and specifically refers to a woman; 'trophy partner' is gender-neutral and can refer to any gender.
arm candy
More slangy and focuses on someone attractive who is shown off at events; less about a long-term relationship.

Word family

trophy noun
An object given as a prize, or a symbol of success; the base of the phrase.

Commonly confused: trophy partner or trophy wife?

trophy partner vs trophy wife

A 'trophy wife' is specifically a woman, while a 'trophy partner' can be any gender. 'Trophy wife' is the older, more established term.

Practice

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