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Akimbo: meaning, definitions and examples

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akimbo

 

[ əˈkɪm.boʊ ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

physical stance

The term 'akimbo' describes a position where the hands are placed on the hips with elbows turned outward. It conveys a sense of assertiveness or defiance, often seen in confident or confrontational postures.

Synonyms

hips apart, standing firm

Examples of usage

  • She stood with her arms akimbo, ready to confront the issue.
  • The teacher walked into the room, hands akimbo, demanding attention.
  • With a look of determination, he faced the crowd, his arms akimbo.

Translations

Translations of the word "akimbo" in other languages:

🇵🇹 com as mãos na cintura

🇮🇳 कंधों पर हाथ रखकर

🇩🇪 in die Hüften gestützt

🇮🇩 dengan tangan di pinggang

🇺🇦 зі схрещеними руками

🇵🇱 z rękami na biodrach

🇯🇵 腕を組んで

🇫🇷 les bras croisés

🇪🇸 con los brazos en jarras

🇹🇷 kolları belinde

🇰🇷 팔짱을 끼고

🇸🇦 مرفوع الذراعين

🇨🇿 s rukama na bocích

🇸🇰 s rukami na bokoch

🇨🇳 双手叉腰

🇸🇮 z rokami na boku

🇮🇸 me höndum á mjöðmum

🇰🇿 қолдар белде

🇬🇪 ხელები წელზე

🇦🇿 qollar beldə

🇲🇽 con los brazos en jarras

Etymology

The word 'akimbo' originates from the early 15th century, derived from the Middle English phrase 'in kimbo', which meant 'in a curve', or 'to bend'. Its roots can be traced back to the Old Norse word 'kembja', which is related to the action of bending or turning. Over time, 'akimbo' evolved into a versatile term primarily used to describe a specific and often defiant body posture where hands are placed on the hips. This position has been depicted throughout various cultures as a symbol of confidence and readiness to engage.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,104 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.