Definition

Noun: 1. Long, thin legs: The word refers to legs that are noticeably long and slender, often to an exaggerated degree. 2. A thin person with long thin legs: It can also refer to a person, often used informally or humorously, who has a very thin build with notably long and slender legs.

Usage

• This word is typically used in informal or descriptive contexts. It can have a neutral descriptive tone but may also be used in a mildly teasing or humorous way when referring to a person. It is not considered a formal or polite term for a person's physique.

Examples

• Referring to legs:
  • The foal stood on wobbly spindlelegs just after birth.
  • The old chair was supported by four rickety spindlelegs.
• Referring to a person:
  • He was a tall, gangly kid, all spindlelegs and elbows.
  • They called him "Spindlelegs" because of his tall, thin frame.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used to create a vivid, somewhat caricatured image of extreme thinness and length. It is common in literary description and informal speech.

Variants and Related Words

• Spindly (adjective): Describing something as long, thin, and often appearing weak. This is the more common adjective form.
  • The plant had spindly stems that needed support.

Synonyms

• For legs: Spindly legs, gangly legs, stick legs.
• For a person: Beanpole, string bean, gangling person.

Notes on Different Meanings

• The two definitions are closely related. The primary meaning is the physical characteristic (long thin legs). The secondary meaning (a thin person) is a metonymic use, where the characteristic (spindlelegs) is used to name the person who possesses it.

Noun

1. long thin legs
2. a thin person with long thin legs