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You are here: Experts > Arts/Humanities > Writing > Etymology (Meaning of Words) > etymology of
Expert: Carol Pozefsky - 11/2/2009
Question
QUESTION: I am analyzing a newspaper article that compares hedge fund mismanagement to the behavior of "second wives at a Jimmy Choo shoe sale." Could you provide some information on the etymology of "second wives"?
Thanks!
ANSWER: Hello and welcome to a new week,
The expession 'second wives at a Jimmy Choo sale' means individuals who are spending money freely and in abundance. I believe that committed feminists would find the term offensively sexist because it evokes the image of a young woman married to a much older man whom she's selected more for his bank roll than for his other qualities.
The best to you always,
CP
ps: Jimmy Choo ,needless to say, is the designer and brand name of a line of very expensive shoes.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thank you for your prompt response. Your answer is helpful. Do you have any information regarding the origin of this idea of a "second wife" -- one who spends freely and has chosen an older husband for his money over other qualities and, my add, has probably been chosen as a wife because of youthful beauty (above other qualities). I would like more info about the origins of the term.
Thanks agin.
Answer
Hello again,
The term 'sugar daddy' is used to depict the salacious older man who spends large amounts of money to lure younger women into romance and/or marriage; women who, if he were poor, might not bother with him at all. Often the money is seen as the bargaining chip leading to matrimony; the 2nd wife. (or 3rd or 4th!)
There are countless movies, sitcoms, comic strips, songs, etc. based on this stereotype. But of course, it is only a stereotype and one likes to think that it is the exception not the rule. However, looking at celebrity relationships it's difficult to come up with many examples of rich , older male celebrities courting or proposing to women their own age.
Best always, CP
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