English

Noun

boob tube ‎(plural boob tubes)

1. (US, informal) television
2. (Britain, informal) A type of woman's upper body garment consisting of a taut band of cloth around the breasts and back.
   • 2015, Oscar Phoenix, This Hostage to Fortune:

     At the same time, Tara puts her arms into her boob tube.

Synonyms

• (garment): tube top (US)
• (television): idiot box (boob = idiot)

Usage notes

The word used as a synonym for television was heard as early as 1965 on an episode of The Munsters. It was probably being used before that time.

Translations