Gangly: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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• 34393 gangly
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