Flab Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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flab

[flæb ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

body fat

Flab refers to soft, loose flesh or fat on the body, often associated with a lack of firmness or tone. It can be found in various areas such as the abdomen, arms, and thighs, and is typically the result of weight gain or lack of muscle elasticity.

Synonyms

fat, looseness, softness.

Examples of usage

  • She wanted to lose the flab around her waist.
  • He felt self-conscious about the flab on his arms.
  • After the holiday, she noticed more flab than usual.

Translations

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Origin of 'flab'

The word 'flab' originated in the early 19th century, derived from the word 'flabby,' which means soft or lacking firmness. It is believed to be a blend of the prefix 'fl-' from frolic or flap and the suffix '-ab' from abject. The usage of 'flab' as a slang term gained popularity throughout the 20th century, particularly in fitness and weight loss contexts. The informal tone of the word makes it a common choice in colloquial English, especially when discussing body image and health.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,350, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.