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There is this entry in a dictionary:

  1. often facetious or derogatory my; our: the wife goes out on Thursdays

Instead of "my wife", "the wife" is used. Is it really facetious or derogatory?

How is the husband?

How are the children?

What difference would there be if "your" was used instead of "the"?

user1425
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  • The implication of using the instead of my/your would depend entirely on the context. In casual conversation, generally among men, it's not unusual or necessarily derogatory. One man might ask another: How's the wife? as a polite inquiry. On the other hand, some people would dislike the expression, and How's the husband is rare. – Ronald Sole Feb 20 '23 at 18:39
  • OK. But what's the point in using it at all? – user1425 Feb 20 '23 at 18:49
  • Some interesting discussion here – Kate Bunting Feb 20 '23 at 19:08

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