A trophy wife is a wife who is regarded as a status symbol for the husband. For the husband, it has a connotation of narcissism and the need to impress, and that the husband would not be able to attract the sexual interest of the attractive woman for any reason apart from his wealth or position.

What does it mean to be called a trophy wife?

A 1989 article in Fortune magazine may have introduced the phrase, describing a trophy wife as a woman who is a decade or two younger than her husband, sometimes several inches taller, beautiful, and very often accomplished.

Do trophy wives still exist?

When researchers compared qualities such as level of attractiveness and socioeconomic status within couples, they found almost no evidence of the trophy wife stereotype, which suggests attractive, young women tend to marry rich and successful men.

What is considered a trophy husband?

A trophy wife is a wife who is regarded as a status symbol for the husband. A trophy wife is typically relatively young and attractive, and may be a second, third or later wife of an older, wealthier man. A trophy husband is the male equivalent.