Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
xanthippe
noun
zan-THIP-ee
Definition
A scolding, nagging woman; specifically, a term for a bad-tempered or quarrelsome wife.
Examples
- Xanthippe scolded her husband for being late to dinner again.
- His friends joked that every man has a bit of Xanthippe in his life.
- Despite her reputation as a xanthippe, she was truly caring and loyal to her family.
Meaning
The term is often used to describe a woman who is argumentative or difficult to deal with, inspired by the historical figure Xanthippe, the wife of the philosopher Socrates, who was said to have had a sharp tongue.
Synonyms
- termagant
- scold
- nag
- battle-ax
