Beefy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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beefy

[ˈbiːfi ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

describing a person or animal

having a large, strong, and heavily-built body; muscular and brawny

Synonyms

brawny, burly, muscular.

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Word Description / Examples
beefy

Often used in casual or informal conversations to describe someone who has a lot of muscle, sometimes with an undertone of bulkiness. It can also refer to something that is substantial or robust.

  • The bodyguard was a beefy guy who looked like he could handle any trouble.
  • The new laptop is quite beefy, with a lot of powerful features packed inside.
muscular

A more neutral or formal term, used to describe someone who has well-developed muscles. It often focuses on the appearance of muscle definition and fitness.

  • The bodybuilder had a very muscular physique.
  • She works out regularly and has become quite muscular.
brawny

Typically used to describe someone who is physically strong and muscular, often with an emphasis on natural strength. It has a somewhat heroic or positive connotation.

  • The lumberjack's brawny arms showed years of hard work.
  • She admired the brawny lifeguard from a distance.
burly

Used to describe someone, usually a man, who is large, strong, and heavily built. It sometimes carries a slightly rough or rugged connotation.

  • The burly construction worker easily carried the heavy steel beam.
  • He was a burly man, with a deep voice that demanded attention.

Examples of usage

  • He was a beefy guy with tattoos covering his arms.
  • The bull in the field was beefy and intimidating.
Context #2 | Adjective

describing food

having a lot of beef or resembling the taste of beef

Synonyms

flavorful, juicy, meaty.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
beefy

This word is often used to describe someone muscular and strong, or in the context of food, particularly meat that is thick and hearty.

  • He was a beefy guy with muscles bulging under his shirt.
  • The beefy steak was cooked to perfection.
meaty

Commonly used to describe food, often meat, that is dense and filling. It can also metaphorically describe something that has a lot of substance or detail.

  • The burger was hearty and meaty.
  • The report was very meaty, filled with lots of useful data.
juicy

Best used when describing food, especially meat or fruit, that contains a lot of juice and is moist and tender. It can also be used metaphorically to describe something interesting or exciting.

  • The grilled chicken was so juicy and tender.
  • She shared some juicy gossip with her friends.
flavorful

Used to describe food that has a rich and strong taste. Commonly used to express high quality or delicious taste.

  • The soup was incredibly flavorful with herbs and spices.
  • She served a flavorful chicken curry.

Examples of usage

  • The sandwich was filled with beefy slices of steak.
  • The stew had a rich and beefy flavor.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • In movies and comic books, characters described as 'beefy' often represent strength or brute force, like superheroes or tough villains.
  • The term gained traction in the fitness community to describe someone who is muscular and fit.
  • Popular video games often feature beefy characters that embody strength and resilience, appealing to players' admiration for powerful figures.

Psychology

  • Describing someone as 'beefy' can convey perceptions of safety and strength, suggesting reliability in social situations.
  • Strong figures in society often correlate with protective instincts, as people feel secure around those described as beefy.
  • Studies show that individuals with a 'beefy' appearance might be perceived as more dominant or competent in professional settings.

Literature

  • In various literary works, a 'beefy' character may symbolize a mix of brute strength and vulnerability, adding complexity to their role in the narrative.
  • Notable authors often use physical descriptors like 'beefy' to quickly convey character traits and evoke certain imagery.
  • The contrasts between beefy characters and more delicate ones can highlight themes of strength versus fragility in storytelling.

Nutrition

  • The term can also refer to foods high in protein, emphasizing their role in building muscle and strength.
  • In culinary contexts, 'beefy' dishes often imply rich, hearty meals that are filling and satisfying.
  • Athletes often seek 'beefy' meals post-training to replenish energy and support muscle recovery.

Origin of 'beefy'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'beefy' comes from the word 'beef,' which originally referred to meat from cattle.
  • By the early 20th century, 'beefy' began being used to describe things that are big and strong.
  • Its use has expanded over time to describe not just food but also physical build and robustness.

The word 'beefy' originated in the late 19th century, derived from the noun 'beef' which comes from Old French 'boef'. It has been used to describe both physical attributes and food qualities over the years, reflecting the association of beef with strength and richness.


See also: beefburger, beefsteak.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,317 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.