beanpole: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal
Quick answer
What does “beanpole” mean?
A tall, thin wooden pole used to support climbing bean plants in a garden.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A tall, thin wooden pole used to support climbing bean plants in a garden.
A person who is unusually tall and thin.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The extended meaning (a tall, thin person) is common and well-understood in both dialects. The literal gardening term is also used in both.
Connotations
Similar connotations in both dialects: informal, often humorous or descriptive, not typically a formal or medical term.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in UK English, but the difference is marginal. The gardening sense might be more familiar in contexts with traditional vegetable plots.
Grammar
How to Use “beanpole” in a Sentence
He/She is a beanpole.He/She looks like a beanpole.to be built like a beanpoleVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “beanpole” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He's got that typical beanpole build.
American English
- She had a beanpole frame as a teenager.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Virtually never used, except perhaps in historical or sociological studies of language/insults.
Everyday
Primary context. Used in informal conversation to describe a tall, thin person, often a child or teenager who has had a growth spurt.
Technical
In gardening/horticulture, refers specifically to the support structure for beans.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “beanpole”
- Using it in formal contexts.
- Using it as a direct insult rather than affectionate teasing.
- Confusing it with "pole bean," which is a type of plant, not a person.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is informal and can be used affectionately or humorously within families or among friends. However, like any physical description, it can be hurtful if used to mock someone, so context and tone are crucial.
Rarely. Its primary metaphorical use is for people. One might very informally describe a very thin, tall building or tower as 'beanpole-like', but this is not a standard collocation.
'Lanky' is an adjective describing a tall, thin, and often ungraceful physique. 'Beanpole' is a noun that labels a person who has that physique. You can say "He is lanky" or "He is a beanpole."
No, 'beanpole' is not used as a verb in standard English.
A tall, thin wooden pole used to support climbing bean plants in a garden.
Beanpole is usually informal in register.
Beanpole: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbiːn.pəʊl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbiːn.poʊl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to grow like a beanpole”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a pole in a garden with beans growing up it – tall and thin. Now imagine a person who looks just as tall and thin as that pole.
Conceptual Metaphor
PERSON IS A GARDENING TOOL (A specific support structure). TALL/THIN IS VERTICAL/STRAIGHT.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'beanpole' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?