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Gangly: meaning, definitions and examples

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gangly

 

[ ˈɡæŋɡli ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

physical description

The term 'gangly' is used to describe someone who is tall and thin, often with awkward movements. It typically implies a lack of gracefulness, where the limbs seem long and disproportionate to the body.

Synonyms

lanky, spindly, ungainly

Examples of usage

  • He was a gangly teenager, growing into his height awkwardly.
  • The gangly puppy stumbled over its own feet.
  • She had a gangly frame, making her appear clumsy at times.

Translations

Translations of the word "gangly" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desengonçado

🇮🇳 लम्बा और पतला

🇩🇪 schlaksig

🇮🇩 jangkung dan kurus

🇺🇦 хворобливо худий

🇵🇱 chudy

🇯🇵 痩せていて不器用な

🇫🇷 maigre et maladroit

🇪🇸 flaco y torpe

🇹🇷 sıska ve beceriksiz

🇰🇷 마르고 어색한

🇸🇦 نحيف وغير متناسب

🇨🇿 vysoký a nepřesný

🇸🇰 vysoký a nešikovný

🇨🇳 瘦长的

🇸🇮 vitka in nerodna

🇮🇸 langur og óþægilegur

🇰🇿 жіңішке және ұзын

🇬🇪 ხშირმა და მოუხერხებელი

🇦🇿 uzun və zəif

🇲🇽 flaco y torpe

Word origin

The word 'gangly' originated in the early 19th century, derived from the word 'gang', which itself comes from Middle English 'gan', meaning 'to go or walk'. The suffix '-ly' is often used to form adjectives in English. Initially used to describe someone who walks with awkwardness, it gradually evolved into a term that characterizes tall, thin people or animals. Its usage can be traced back to descriptions of individuals whose growth patterns led to long limbs that weren't yet in sync with the rest of their bodies. 'Gangly' captures the essence of adolescence and the awkwardness associated with physical development. Over the years, the term has retained its connotation of gracelessness while being applied in both affectionate and critical contexts, emphasizing the charm or the challenges of growing up.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,393 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.