The term "wife beater" for a sleeveless undershirt or tank top originated from a disturbing association with domestic violence. In 1947, a man named James Hartford Jr. from Detroit was arrested for beating his wife to death, and newspapers published a widely circulated photo of him wearing a stained sleeveless undershirt with the caption labeling him "the wife-beater." This incident, combined with Hollywood portrayals like Marlon Brando's character in the 1951 film "A Streetcar Named Desire," who wore a similar undershirt while playing an abusive husband, linked the garment to the stereotype of violent men. Over time, the term came to refer to the undershirt itself, especially becoming popularized in the late 20th century in subcultures despite its offensive connotations. The phrase is now considered derogatory and is recommended to be replaced with neutral terms like "tank top" or "undershirt" to avoid trivializing serious domestic abuse issues.
