Definition

Adjective: 1. Having been shortened by cutting with a saw: Describes an object, typically a gun or a piece of wood, that has been made shorter by having part of it removed with a saw. 2. Of less than average height; short: Used informally to describe a person who is notably short in stature.

Usage and Examples

• Describing a shortened object:
  • The police found a sawn-off shotgun in the suspect's car. (This describes a shotgun whose barrel has been illegally shortened.)
  • He used a sawn-off broom handle as a makeshift tool. (This describes a broomstick that has been cut to a shorter length.)
• Describing a short person (informal):
  • Watch out for the sawn-off guy at the bar; he's got a fierce temper. (This is a colloquial, sometimes derogatory, way to call someone short.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is often associated with criminal activity, particularly when referring to firearms. A "sawn-off shotgun" is a common image in crime stories.
• The informal use to describe a person's height is considered slang and can be impolite.

Variants and Related Words

• Sawed-off: This is the more common spelling in American English. "Sawn-off" is the preferred spelling in British English. Both have identical meanings.
  • He was carrying a sawed-off rifle. (American English spelling)
• Shortened (adj.): Made shorter. This is a more general and neutral synonym.
  • The shortened version of the film is better.

Synonyms

• Truncated: Cut short, having the top or end cut off. (More formal)
• Cut-down: Reduced in size or length.
• Stumpy: Short and thick. (Often used for objects or limbs)

Notes on Different Meanings

1. Literal/Object Meaning: The primary meaning refers to a physical alteration using a saw. It implies a rough, non-factory modification.
2. Figurative/Person Meaning: The slang meaning for a short person draws a direct analogy from the object meaning—something that has been "cut down" in size. This usage is metaphorical.

Adjective

1. cut short
   • a sawed-off shotgun
   • a sawed-off broomstick
   • the shortened rope was easier to use
2. well below average height