spindle-legs
Definition
Noun (plural used as singular or plural):
- Very thin, long legs: "spindle-legs" refers to legs that are unusually long and thin, often in a way that is awkward or striking.
- A person with such legs: Informally, "spindle-legs" can describe a person who has very thin, long legs, often used humorously or teasingly.
Usage Examples
- (Describes legs that are very thin and long.)
- (Used as a nickname for a person with thin legs.)
Advanced Usage
- "spindle-legs" as a nickname: Often used in informal or affectionate teasing, especially among children or in playful contexts.
- The tall, lanky boy was nicknamed "Spindle-Legs" by his classmates. (A playful reference to his physique.)
Variants and Related Words
- Spindle-legs (variant spelling): Same meaning, but less common.
- Spindle-shanks (noun): A synonym with similar meaning, referring to thin legs.
- His spindle-shanks made him look taller than he was. (Thin, long legs.)
Synonyms
- Lanky: tall and thin in an awkward way (often describes the whole body, not just legs).
- Leggy: having long legs (often used positively, especially for animals or models).
- Gawky: awkwardly thin and tall (applies to overall appearance).
Related Idioms
"Like a spider on a string": Describes someone with very thin, long legs moving delicately.
- He moved across the room like a spider on a string, his spindle-legs barely touching the ground. (Emphasizes the thin, fragile appearance of the legs.)
"A bag of bones": Describes someone who is very thin overall.
- After the illness, he was just a bag of bones with spindle-legs. (Extreme thinness.)
Usage Notes
- This word is informal and often carries a slightly mocking or teasing tone. It is rarely used in formal writing.
- It can be used as a countable noun () or as a nickname ().
- The plural form "spindle-legs" is typically treated as a singular noun when referring to a person (e.g., ), but as a plural when describing the legs themselves (e.g., ).