etymology - Alternative definitions of wifebeater


I was a li'l nonplussed to find out that the word wifebeater can mean other things besides "a man who beats up his wife". Its definition reads:




  1. One who (usually as a repeated practice) beats one’s wife, or a husband prone to violence

  2. A kind of sleeveless shirt, often but not exclusively worn as an undershirt.

  3. (uncountable, UK, slang) Stella Artois, a brand of lager beer.



ODO reckons that sense 2 is American and originates "apparently from the association of such a garment with men who commit domestic violence". It does not register the UK slang. I'm guessing that Stellas also have an unfortunate association with domestic violence.


Are these alternative senses popular in their respective countries or are they perhaps nonce words that have lingered on? Any idea how these disparaging associations came about? I expect that the brewers of Stella Artois are none too happy about it.



Answer



Slang sense 3, for Stella Artois, is well known in the UK.


Originally domestic brands were weaker than lagers drunk in mainland Europe. The stronger Stella was introduced later, and the suggestion is a stronger drink makes a violent man more drunk and dangerous.


The earliest example I found in Google Groups is from a 4 July 2000 post titled
"WIFE BEATER!!!" in alt.drunken.bastards:



Every one knows one of the side affects of alcohol is that it can make u aggressive. But the one drink that can make u more aggressive than others is definatly STELLA. B4 I started drinking it I heard people refer 2 it as WIFE BEATER. Know that I drink Stella is plainly obvious why. I'd always get slightley aggressive when drinking. But since I have been drinking Stella I have got worse. A mate and I left a bloke unconcious the other week. Don't get me wrong this bloke deserved a beating after making a girl cry and then starting on me for telling him 2 leave off. I would never have reacted like that though.
Has any1 else had any Stella experiences?
I want 2 here about how WIFE BEATER has effected u.



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