Lanker Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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lanker

[ˈlæŋkər ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

physical description

Lanker describes a person or thing that is unusually thin or tall and thin. It is often used to emphasize a lack of body mass or muscle, typically indicating a scrawny appearance.

Synonyms

gaunt, scrawny, slender, thin.

Examples of usage

He looked quite lank and fragile in that outfit.
The lank tree stood out against the skyline.
After weeks of dieting, she began to feel lanker than usual.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

Lanky characters are often popular in cartoons and movies, symbolizing innocence or being awkwardly lovable.
In the classic film 'The Breakfast Club', one character is depicted as lanky, emphasizing a sense of teenage awkwardness.
Several famous basketball players are described as lanky due to their tall and slender builds, showcasing athleticism.

Psychology

Studies show that individuals who are perceived as lanky may be viewed as less threatening, often correlating with a peaceful demeanor.
Body image perception can significantly affect how lanky individuals feel about themselves, impacting mental health.
Social dynamics often highlight lanky individuals as either targets of humor or as side characters in narratives.

Literature

Many literary protagonists are described as lanky, reinforcing themes of vulnerability and youthfulness.
Authors often use lanky characters to depict struggle against social expectations, particularly in bildungsroman novels.
Classic literature, such as 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer', features lanky boys playing out their adventures, emphasizing adolescent freedom.

Origin of 'lanker'

Main points about word origin

The word 'lank' originated from the Middle English term 'lanke', which meant 'thin' or 'weak'.
In its earliest uses in the 14th century, it often described undernourished animals or plants.
The suffix 'er' implies a comparative state, enhancing the meaning of being thin or lanky.

The word 'lanker' originates from the Middle English word 'lank', which means 'thin or lean.' It combines the Old Norse 'lankr' meaning 'slender' and the Germanic root related to the concept of elongation. Over time, 'lank' became a descriptor for not just the physical attributes of beings but also in the context of inanimate objects, emphasizing a lack of mass. By the early 19th century, the term had morphed into its current form as an adjective describing unusually thin individuals. It is commonly found in literary works to evoke imagery of frailty or vulnerability.