cobby
Definition
- Adjective:
- Sturdy and stocky in build: "cobby" describes a person or animal, especially a horse or dog, that is short, thick-set, and solidly built.
- Resembling a cob: This meaning is related to the word "cob" (a small, sturdy horse), implying a compact, strong, and often short-legged physique.
Usage Examples
- (The pony was short, sturdy, and well-built.)
- (The dog was stocky and muscular.)
- (Figures that are short and solid.)
Advanced Usage
"Cobby build": a descriptive phrase for a compact, muscular physique.
- The wrestler had a cobby build, making him hard to knock over. (A stocky, powerful body.)
"Cobby horse": a term used in horse breeding to denote a horse that is short-legged and strong, often used for riding or light draft work.
- The cobby horse was ideal for the beginner rider due to its steady nature. (A short, sturdy horse.)
Variants and Related Words
Cob (n): a small, sturdy horse; also a type of bread or a male swan.
- He rode a gentle cob through the countryside. (A small, strong horse.)
Cobbiness (n): the quality of being cobby; stockiness.
- The dog's cobbiness made it look like a miniature bulldog. (Its stocky appearance.)
Synonyms
- Stocky: short and heavily built.
- Sturdy: strong and solid in build.
- Thickset: having a short, stout body.
- Squat: short and broad, often used for buildings or animals.
Related Idioms
- "Built like a brick outhouse": very strong and stocky (informal).
- The rugby player was built like a brick outhouse, with a cobby frame. (Extremely sturdy.)
Notes on Usage
- "Cobby" is a relatively rare word, most commonly used in British English, especially in the context of describing horses, dogs, or people with a particular body type. It carries a positive connotation of strength and solidity.