"My" wife vs. "the" wife

[nq:1]What difference in meaning do you see between the two expressions?[/nq]
One will get you into the big doghouse - fast !

The Canadian Curmudgeon (in Calgary)
Save our precious CO2 - plant many trees

[nq:1]One will get you into the big doghouse - fast ![/nq]
Okay, but which one, and why?

[nq:1]What difference in meaning do you see between the two expressions?[/nq]
Use of "My wife" ****** off some women. Use of "The wife" ****** off all women and some men.

Tony Cooper - Orlando, Florida

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[nq:2]What difference in meaning do you see between the two expressions?[/nq]
[nq:1]Use of "My wife" ****** off some women. Use of "The wife" ****** off all women and some men.[/nq]
Here in East Texas, it's just how some men say it. I can remember hearing it from some of the older men, but it's said like you'd hear about some man asking if he can buy a new bass boat: "Wel

[nq:2]Use of "My wife" ****** off some women. Use of "The wife" ****** off all women and some men.[/nq]
[nq:1]Here in East Texas, it's just how some men say it. I can remember hearing it from some of the ... it as derogatory in any way. To me, it's just a folksy way of speaking, even affectionate on a level.[/nq]
What the men think is not derogatory has nothing to do with what the women th

[nq:2]One will get you into the big doghouse - fast ![/nq]
[nq:1]Okay, but which one, and why?[/nq]
The normal and correct term is 'My wife'. In the UK to refer to your wife as 'the wife' is seen by some as derogatory. (I think 'the missus' is seen as slightly less so and 'her indoors' more so.) Why? Because it's an old expression and implies an outmoded attitude to women who, as the femin

[nq:1]What difference in meaning do you see between the two expressions?[/nq]
"My wife" is simple and straightforward. By and large, except for the hyper-sensitive, in most contexts it is an unexceptionable term.

"The wife" seems sorta folksy, kinda down-homey, y'know? But in fact, it is rather condescending and is often felt that way by both women and men being akin to "the little wo

[nq:2]What difference in meaning do you see between the two expressions?[/nq]
[nq:1]"My wife" is simple and straightforward. By and large, except for the hyper-sensitive, in most contexts it is an unexceptionable ... would be *** off to hear it called condescending: to them, it's just shucks, gee whiz. But condescending it is.[/nq]
Lots of men were, and still are for all I know, referred t

[nq:1]What difference in meaning do you see between the two expressions?[/nq]
Easy - "my wife" is like saying "my friend, my father, my mother".

"The wife" on the other hand, sounds like a possesion.

Which wife, whos wife? "The wife of my neighbour"?

If I used the term when referring to my wife, I think it would be grounds for divorce!
Incidentally, just as 'girl

[nq:2]"My wife" is simple and straightforward. By and large, except ... them, it's just shucks, gee whiz. But condescending it is.[/nq]
[nq:1]Lots of men were, and still are for all I know, referred to as "My Hubby". I doubt they're too worried by it.[/nq]
Anyone who uses "Hubby" or "My bride" should be tasered.

Tony Cooper - Orlando, Florida