<P> While swim briefs are used worldwide by athletes for water sports, the popularity of swim briefs as casual beachwear and swim wear varies throughout the world . In mainland Europe and Brazil, briefs are relatively common among male casual swimmers and beach goers . In the United States and the United Kingdom, the roomier and less revealing trunks or board shorts are the suits preferred for recreation, although swim briefs are always seen to some extent . In some countries like France, men are only permitted to wear swimming trunks and not shorts, for reasons relating to hygiene . Swim briefs are chosen for recreation include style, ease of movement in the water, sunshine exposure, quick drying time, and the ability to be worn under pants or shorts . Former Australian prime minister Tony Abbott was a fitness fanatic noted for wearing "speedos" or "budgie smugglers". </P> <P> Swim briefs are sometimes worn under board shorts for modesty purposes, and they are often used as an athletic supporter under shorts during sporting activities . </P> <P> Briefs worn for competitive and recreational swimming are manufactured in standard sizes and in waist measurements . They are available in a wide variety of solid colors and patterned designs . </P> <P> The most common racing suit styles are 1.5 inch to 3 inch paneled briefs (as measured by the height and length of the suit's side panel). The racing suit's main function is to reduce the drag of an athlete in water, thus improving his time . For this reason racing suits are made of materials that hug the body, minimize friction and minimize water retention . Spandex (Lycra) suits generally produce less drag, but are also more vulnerable to prolonged exposure to chlorine than nylon . Therefore, nylon suits are preferred for training and practice, where the increased durability is required for the long periods of usage and the extra resistance brings a training benefit . Lycra suits (and composite hi - tech swimwear fabrics) are preferred for actual racing . In water polo and sometimes in diving, suits may have panels greater than 3 inches . </P>

Where does the term budgie smugglers come from