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Jowly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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jowly

[ˈdʒaʊli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

physical appearance

The term 'jowly' refers to having prominent or sagging jowls, typically associated with older age, where the skin around the jawline appears loose or droopy. This feature is often more pronounced in individuals with a fuller face.

Synonyms

droopy, sagging, wrinkled.

Examples of usage

  • The actor's jowly face revealed his age.
  • She smiled, revealing her jowly cheeks.
  • His jowly features added character to his face.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Representation

  • In various cultures, jowly characters are often depicted in cartoons, symbolizing wisdom or humor due to their distinctive appearance.
  • Throughout history, notable politicians with jowls have been likened to figures of authority, reinforcing stereotypes about leadership.
  • Some films portray jowly characters as comedic relief, making their appearance an essential part of their charm.

Health and Aging

  • Jowls often become more pronounced with age due to the loss of skin elasticity and fat redistribution in the face.
  • Factors like genetics, lifestyle choices, and sun exposure can accelerate the development of jowls.
  • Skincare and cosmetic procedures are sought by many to firm the skin and reduce the appearance of jowliness.

Psychology

  • People often subconsciously associate jowls with aging, which can affect self-image and societal perceptions of beauty.
  • Facial features, including jowls, play a significant role in first impressions, influencing whether someone is perceived as trustworthy or approachable.
  • Facial symmetry is often regarded as attractive, leading to a complex relationship with features like jowls in beauty standards.

Origin of 'jowly'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'jowly' derives from 'jowl,' which refers to the flesh around the jaw, dating back to the late 14th century.
  • The term 'jowl' originally meant 'chin' in Old French, emphasizing the connection to the jaw area.
  • Another related word, 'jaw,' comes from the Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'to hold,' linking back to its function.

The word 'jowly' is derived from the noun 'jowl', which originates from Middle English 'jule' meaning 'cheek' or 'jaw' and has its roots in Old English 'ceorfan', meaning 'to cut'. The term has evolved to describe the fleshy and often sagging parts of a person's cheek or jaw, particularly as one ages. It has been used in English since at least the 19th century to describe features that signify age or weight, often associated with a certain roundness of the face. Over the years, 'jowly' has been used not just in descriptive terms, but also in literature and everyday conversation to convey a sense of warmth or approachability, despite its connotations of age.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,159, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.