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February 15, 2007
Vishy's Indian English Dictionary: banian
banian./buni·YAHN/. An article of clothing worn underneath a man's shirt on just the top half of his body. Known as a wifebeater (or spousal abuser, if you prefer) in the United States. Origin unclear, but you'll find tons of Indian billboards that proudly advertise men's underwear with this word on them. I've always been really curious that I never saw this word even once outside India. Not to be confused with banYan, which is the kind of tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment.
Posted by Vishy at February 15, 2007 12:25 AM
Comments
Now that really made me laugh, and I don't know if I'm smart or dumb! I never knew that other people called them wifebeaters - I call them that, and I thought I made it up!
Posted by: Zhyndra at February 15, 2007 01:30 AM