the.com/better half
The spouse who is diplomatically correct 100% of the time, statistically or not.
means An affectionate (and strategically humble) term for one's spouse or romantic partner, implying they're the superior portion of the pairing.
from Traces back to the 16th century, used by writers like Sir Philip Sidney — though originally it had nothing to do with marriage. It comes from classical ideas about souls: two halves making one whole, with the 'better half' being the nobler or more virtuous part of a single person's nature. Over time the phrase drifted from 'my better soul' to 'my better spouse,' settling into the cozy, slightly self-deprecating marital compliment we use today.
- origin
- Sir Philip Sidney coined it in 1580, meaning soul
- math problem
- implies you are the worse 50%
- usage tell
- said fondly, meant as a small surrender