Flabby: meaning, definitions and examples

🔅

Add to dictionary

flabby

[ˈflæbi ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

description of a person's body

Having loose, soft, or flaccid flesh, typically as a result of being out of shape or overweight.

Synonyms

flaccid, loose, saggy, soft.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
flabby	Describes something, especially a part of the body, that is soft and hangs loosely or limply. Often has a negative connotation when describing a lack of muscle tone. His stomach felt flabby after weeks of not exercising
saggy	Describes something that sags or hangs down due to lack of support. Often used negatively when describing aging or poorly maintained things. The old mattress had become saggy in the middle
loose	Used to describe something that is not tight or firmly fixed in place. Can refer to various objects or situations beyond just physical texture. The dog's collar was too loose, and she easily slipped out of it
soft	General term for something that has a smooth or gentle texture or feel. Does not necessarily have a negative connotation. She loved the soft feel of the new blanket
flaccid	Primarily used in medical or biological contexts to describe muscles or tissues that are soft and limp. Can also describe a lack of force or energy in a more abstract sense. The doctor noted that the patient's muscles were flaccid

Examples of usage

My arms became flabby after I stopped going to the gym.
She was self-conscious about her flabby stomach.
The flabby skin hung loosely from his body.
Regular exercise can help tone up flabby muscles.
He complained about his flabby thighs.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Middle English 'flabbie', which relates to being soft or flabby.
It is derived from the Old English 'flabbe', meaning 'to be soft or loose'.

Health & Fitness

Flabby muscles are often a sign of lack of exercise, as regular workouts help maintain muscle tone.
Diet plays a significant role in muscle firmness; improper nutrition can lead to a flabby appearance, even with exercise.

Pop Culture

The term 'flabby' has been used in comedy and movies to describe characters that are soft or lack fitness, often for humorous effect.
Fitness influencers often warn against getting flabby, promoting body positivity while encouraging active lifestyles.

Psychology

The perception of being flabby can affect self-esteem, influencing people’s attitudes toward body image and physical appearance.
Studies show that societal pressures related to fitness can lead to body dissatisfaction, sometimes categorizing individuals as 'flabby' based on superficial ideals.

Literature

In literature, 'flabby' can be used metaphorically to describe weak or ineffective arguments in writing.
Characters described as flabby often contrast with others who are described as strong or robust, enhancing themes of struggle and resilience.

Translations

Translations of the word "flabby" in other languages:

🇵🇹 flácido

🇮🇳 ढीला

🇩🇪 schlaff

🇮🇩 lembek

🇺🇦 в'ялий

🇵🇱 wiotki

🇯🇵 たるんだ

🇫🇷 flasque

🇪🇸 flácido

🇹🇷 gevşek

🇰🇷 축 늘어진

🇸🇦 رخو

🇨🇿 ochablý

🇸🇰 ochabnutý

🇨🇳 松弛的

🇸🇮 mlahav

🇮🇸 slappur

🇰🇿 босаң

🇬🇪 მოსაწყენი

🇦🇿 sallanan

🇲🇽 flácido

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,257, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

...
23254 stairwell
23255 unthinking
23256 economize
23257 flabby
23258 whined
23259 weasel
23260 inventiveness
...