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Midriff Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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midriff

[ˈmɪdrɪf ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

anatomy

The area of the body between the chest and the waist, especially in a woman's body.

Synonyms

abdomen, stomach, waist.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
midriff

Typically used to refer to the central area of the human body between the chest and the waist, often focusing on this area in terms of fashion or physical appearance.

  • She wore a top that exposed her midriff.
  • The midriff was toned and well-defined from hours at the gym.
waist

Used to describe the narrow part of the body between the ribs and hips. Often mentioned in the context of clothing and body measurements.

  • She tied a belt around her waist.
  • His waist size has decreased since he started running.
abdomen

Used in a more medical or anatomical context to describe the part of the body that contains the digestive organs; suitable for formal or scientific discussions.

  • He complained of pain in his lower abdomen.
  • The doctor examined the patient's abdomen carefully.
stomach

Commonly used in everyday language to refer to the organ that digests food, or more broadly to the area around this organ. Often associated with feelings of hunger or discomfort.

  • My stomach hurts after eating too much.
  • She felt butterflies in her stomach before the presentation.

Examples of usage

  • She wore a crop top that showed off her midriff.
  • He had a tattoo on his midriff.
  • The dress had a cut-out design at the midriff.
Context #2 | Noun

fashion

A style of clothing that leaves the midriff exposed, typically a top or dress with a short length.

Synonyms

belly top, crop top, short top.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
midriff

Used in fashion or anatomy, to describe the area of the body between the chest and the waist. Frequently describes clothing that exposes this area.

  • The dress had a cutout that showed her midriff.
  • Exercises that strengthen the midriff can help support your back.
crop top

Describes a short shirt or blouse that exposes the midriff. It is commonly used in fashion contexts and is a neutral term.

  • Crop tops are very popular in the summer.
  • She paired her crop top with high-waisted jeans.
belly top

Refers to a type of shirt that exposes a significant portion of the belly. It is often used in casual or fashion contexts and can carry a slightly informal tone.

  • She decided to wear a belly top to the summer festival.
  • The store had a variety of colorful belly tops on display.
short top

Can describe any top that is shorter in length, typically exposing the midriff. It is a more general term than 'crop top' and can be used in casual conversations.

  • For gym workouts, she prefers to wear a short top.
  • They designed a collection of short tops for the spring season.

Examples of usage

  • The 90s fashion trend included midriff-baring tops.
  • She looked trendy in a midriff dress.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Fashion

  • The midriff became a fashion focus in the late 20th century, with trends like crop tops popularizing the exposure of this area.
  • In various cultures, showing midriff in clothing can symbolize confidence and body positivity.

Health and Anatomy

  • The midriff encompasses key organs such as the stomach and parts of the intestines, playing a crucial role in digestion.
  • Many fitness routines target the midriff to strengthen core muscles, which are vital for balance and overall health.

Pop Culture

  • Numerous music videos and performances feature dancers showcasing their midriff, establishing it as a symbol of artistic expression and freedom.
  • The portrayal of midriff in movies often reflects cultural attitudes towards body image and femininity.

Art

  • Artists throughout history have depicted the midriff in various styles, celebrating the human form in sculpture and painting.
  • The midriff is often used in contemporary art to challenge societal norms about body representation and acceptance.

Origin of 'midriff'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'midriff' comes from Old English, where 'mid' means 'middle' and 'riff' is related to the word 'hinder', referring to the middle part of the body.
  • Midriff has been in use since the late 14th century in English, showing how long we have had a name for this body part.

The word 'midriff' originated in the mid-16th century, combining 'mid' and 'riff', which are both of unknown origin. It initially referred to the diaphragm, but later evolved to mean the area between the chest and the waist. The term became popular in the fashion industry in the 20th century with the rise of midriff-baring clothing styles.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,779 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.