tap pants

American  

noun

(used with a plural verb)

1. women's loose-fitting underpants.

2. women's loose-fitting shorts worn for exercising or other physical activity, as dancing.

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Etymology

Origin of tap pants

First recorded in 1975–80; after the earlier use of such shorts for tap dancing

Example Sentences

Bethany: Did you catch the champagne-colored silk tap pants and camisole …

From Seattle Times

It meant the same tees with teeny-weeny silk basketball shorts that looked kind of like a combination of diapers and tap pants, sharp-shouldered satin jackets, and seamed stockings.

From New York Times

Other pieces have discreet pleats, judicious embroidery and a sweet daintiness that makes each camisole or pair of tap pants feel like a special treat.

From Washington Post

Standouts from the Los Angeles Fashion Council shows, held on Tuesday and Wednesday included Rose La Grua's notably more grown-up collection of silk, linen and wool pieces, including tap pants, paper-bag waist shorts, flirty dresses and tops that came in a palette of muted beige and were inspired by her collection of vintage lingerie.

From Los Angeles Times

On their spring runways, Jason Wu, Anna Sui and Dolce & Gabbana paraded high-waist swimsuits, tap pants and sundresses so modestly cut that they seemed prim.

From New York Times