Wiry Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Sports and Fitness

• Athletes like sprinters are often described as wiry because of their lean yet muscular build.
• Training regimens that promote wiry strength often include high-intensity workouts, focusing on explosiveness and agility.
• The wiry build is ideal for many activities, helping with endurance and flexibility.

Literature

• Wiry characters often symbolize resilience, representing individuals who overcome challenges despite their simple appearances.
• In classic literature, a wiry hero might be depicted as clever and agile, contrasting with bulkier, less nimble characters.
• Authors may use wiry characters to reflect themes of strength derived from mental prowess rather than physical size.

Animals

• Certain dog breeds, like the Whippet, are often described as wiry, combining thinness with agility and speed.
• Wiry animals often have adaptations for survival, allowing them to navigate challenging environments effectively.
• The wiry coat of some dog breeds serves as protection from the elements, demonstrating how form can follow function.

Psychology

• People often associate wiry individuals with energy and resilience, leading to perceptions of them as dynamic and proactive.
• Wiry appearances may evoke assumptions about lifestyle choices, reflecting active and disciplined habits.
• In social contexts, being wiry can influence interaction styles—sometimes being perceived as more agile in thought and action.

Main points about word origin

• The word 'wiry' comes from 'wire', reflecting the strength of something that is thin and flexible.
• Its usage dates back to the early 18th century, where it was often used to describe thin yet strong characteristics.
• It has roots in Middle English, where similar terms were used to describe resilience and toughness.

The word 'wiry' originated in the late 14th century from the Old English word 'wir,' which means 'to twist' or 'wiry.' The evolution of the term has been influenced by the physical characteristics associated with wire - something that is thin yet strong. Initially, 'wiry' described materials and structures that had the qualities of wire, but over time it transitioned to describe individuals possessing a similar combination of slenderness and strength. This linguistic development reflects society's fascination with athleticism and physical prowess, leading to the term's current use in everyday conversations to describe not just physical appearance, but also an underlying capability for agility and endurance.

Positioned at #20,785, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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