bingo wings: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low to Medium (colloquial)Informal, colloquial, often humorous or self-deprecating. Can be considered insensitive if used about others without consent.
Quick answer
What does “bingo wings” mean?
Loose, flabby skin and fat on the underside of a person's upper arm, especially associated with older age.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Loose, flabby skin and fat on the underside of a person's upper arm, especially associated with older age.
An informal, humorous, and often mildly derogatory term for the flapping or sagging of the triceps area due to loss of muscle tone or excess fat. The term implies the arms resemble the flapping wings of a bird.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Primarily a British English term. In American English, the concept is more commonly referred to as 'bat wings' or 'flabby arms'.
Connotations
In the UK, it carries a specific cultural reference to older women at bingo halls (hence 'bingo'). In the US, the equivalent 'bat wings' lacks this specific cultural anchor but carries a similar humorous/pejorative tone.
Frequency
Much more frequent and established in British English. In American English, it may be recognized but is not the dominant term.
Grammar
How to Use “bingo wings” in a Sentence
[Subject] has/gets/developed bingo wings.[Subject] is fighting/toning (up) their bingo wings.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bingo wings” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She's started weight training to avoid bingo-winging in her later years.
- All that cake is going to make you bingo-wing!
American English
- (Not typically used as a verb in AmE; the concept would be described differently.)
adverb
British English
- (Not typically used as an adverb.)
American English
- (Not used as an adverb.)
adjective
British English
- She has a classic bingo-wing physique.
- I'm doing exercises to combat my bingo-wing arms.
American English
- (Rarely used adjectivally; 'bat-wing' is used instead, e.g., 'bat-wing arms').
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Never used in formal business contexts.
Academic
Not used in academic writing.
Everyday
Used informally in conversation, often humorously or self-critically, among friends or in lifestyle/fitness contexts.
Technical
Not a technical medical or anatomical term. The technical description would be 'brachial ptosis' or 'loss of skin elasticity on the upper arm'.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bingo wings”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bingo wings”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bingo wings”
- Using it in formal writing or to directly describe someone else's appearance, which is rude.
- Spelling it as 'bingo-wings' (hyphenated) – it is typically written as two separate words.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be, if used to describe someone else without their consent. It is generally considered informal and humorous, and is often used in a self-deprecating way. Use with caution.
The etymology is attributed to British culture, linking the flapping motion of loose arm skin to the celebratory gesture of raising arms when shouting "Bingo!" in bingo halls, which were traditionally popular with older women.
The most common American equivalent is 'bat wings,' which uses a similar animal-wing metaphor but lacks the specific British cultural reference to bingo.
Yes, although the term is stereotypically associated with women due to its origins, the physical condition of loose skin or fat on the upper arm can affect anyone, regardless of gender.
Loose, flabby skin and fat on the underside of a person's upper arm, especially associated with older age.
Bingo wings is usually informal, colloquial, often humorous or self-deprecating. can be considered insensitive if used about others without consent. in register.
Bingo wings: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɪŋɡəʊ ˌwɪŋz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɪŋɡoʊ ˌwɪŋz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Flapping like bingo wings”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine someone shouting 'BINGO!' and raising their arms in celebration, causing the loose skin under their arms to flap like wings.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BODY IS A BIRD (specifically, loose arm skin is wings).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the term 'bingo wings' be LEAST appropriate?