boxer shorts

• boxer short (uncommon)

Named after the shorts worn by those who engage in boxing, as their elasticity is comparable to that of what boxers must wear for unhindered leg movement (footwork).

boxer shorts pl (plural only, attributive boxer-short or boxer short)

1. Shorts worn as underwear by men.
   • 1985 April 29, New York Magazine, page 28:

     The average man's wardrobe holds eight pairs of boxer shorts or briefs; the average woman's, twice as many undies.

   • 2020, Feyisayo Anjorin, One Week in the Life of a Hypocrite, page 59:

     Bosun grabbed the car key on the bookshelf in his bedroom and ran to the door, only to realize at the door that he should not go to the state police headquarters in boxer shorts, socks, and this white V-neck shirt.

• boxers
• boxer briefs