Correct phrase: "My Wife" vs. "The Wife"

[Boonl1776]

I read lots of posts here from men who either say:

a) I went to dinner with my wife.

or

b) I went to dinner with the wife.

So is it "my wife" or "the wife"?

Which is correct?

 

[shibumiseeker]

Depends on if it is your wife or not.

 

[Bunnykid68]

I read lots of posts here from men who either say:

a) I went to dinner with my wife.

or

b) I went to dinner with the wife.

So is it "my wife" or "the wife"?

Which is correct?

Depends on whether you like her or not

 

[Scutter01]

I call her "Co-signer".

 

[loudpedal]

I call her "Co-signer".

Better than Co-Defendant.

 

[CathyInBlue]

Or unindicted co-conspirator.

 

[Trooper]

I read lots of posts here from men who either say:

a) I went to dinner with my wife.

or

b) I went to dinner with the wife.

So is it "my wife" or "the wife"?

Which is correct?

The proper phase is "She who must be obeyed!"

 

[tatic05]

I usually go with "The Boss"

 

[loudpedal]

But the answer to the question is:

"[STRIKE]The Wife[/STRIKE]" - Incorrect

"My Wife" - Correct

I think that using the word "My" implies a greater level of respect.

 

[actaeon277]

"The Wife" would signify a difference of "The Girlfriend". Maybe they have both.

 

[Scutter01]

I think that using the word "My" implies a greater level of respect.

Or ownership.

 

[chezuki]

idioms - Should I use "the wife" or "my wife"? - English Language & Usage Stack Exchange


Either is correct.

If someone finds the term "the wife" offensive, they'd be absolutely appalled by some of the terms my wife and I playfully use for each other.

 

[MikeDVB]

Both. I went to dinner with the wife, that is my wife.

 

[CathyInBlue]

"The wife" is a lot closer to "the ol' ball and chain". It's slightly objectifying and demeaning. "My wife" shows closer kinship.

 

[Trigger Time]

"My wife" shows closer kinship.

Like brother and sister? Or first cousins?

 

[Expat]

I always use "the old woman".

 

[nascarfantoo]

But the answer to the question is:

"[STRIKE]The Wife[/STRIKE]" - Incorrect

"My Wife" - Correct

I think that using the word "My" implies a greater level of respect.

Definitely "My Wife" ... Used phrase "The Wife" in front of "my wife" many years ago and can still hear the reaction.

 

[Expat]

Definitely "My Wife" ... Used phrase "The Wife" in front of "my wife" many years ago and can still hear the reaction.

Did you ask her then if she was being cranky because of being on her period? They seem to like that too...

 

[Reno316]

I read lots of posts here from men who either say:

a) I went to dinner with my wife.

or

b) I went to dinner with the wife.

So is it "my wife" or "the wife"?

Which is correct?

Whichever one she says is correct.

Seriously, though... have you asked HER which one she prefers? That'd be where I'd start.

 

[1775usmarine]

I like to use my ole lady.