love handle
Definition
Noun: A colloquial term for a deposit of excess body fat that accumulates on the sides of a person's waist, just above the hips. It is a type of subcutaneous fat.
Usage
The term "love handle" is an informal, often humorous or euphemistic word. It is typically used in the plural form "love handles." It describes a specific area of the body in a less critical way than more clinical terms.
Examples
- He started going to the gym to try and trim his love handles.
- She joked that her winter love handles were just extra insulation.
- The fitness article offered exercises targeting the obliques to reduce love handles.
Advanced Usage
- The singular form "love handle" is rarely used alone. The concept is almost always plural ("love handles").
- The term can be used metaphorically or affectionately, though it is still a reference to body fat.
- After the holidays, I'm sporting a new set of love handles.
Variants and Related Words
- Muffin top (noun): A closely related informal term for excess fat that spills over the top of tight-fitting pants or a skirt, often overlapping with the area described as love handles.
- Spare tire (noun): Another informal term for a roll of fat around the midsection.
- Waistline fat (noun): A more neutral, descriptive term.
- Abdominal adipose tissue (noun): A formal, clinical term.
Synonyms
- Flank fat
- Side fat
- (Informal) Handles
Antonyms
- Defined waist
- Toned obliques
- Flat stomach
Related Idioms/Phrases
- To have love handles: To possess this characteristic body fat.
- Even thin runners can sometimes have love handles.
- To grab someone's love handles: A physical action, often used humorously or affectionately.
- He grabbed her love handles and tickled her.
Noun
-
excess fat around the waistline
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