body english: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal
Quick answer
What does “body english” mean?
The act of using physical body movements, often involuntarily or subconsciously, in an attempt to influence the path of an object, especially in games like golf, bowling, or billiards.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of using physical body movements, often involuntarily or subconsciously, in an attempt to influence the path of an object, especially in games like golf, bowling, or billiards.
Figuratively, any non-verbal or physical effort intended to influence an outcome, situation, or person.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is primarily American in origin and usage. In British English, the concept might be described but the specific term 'body English' is far less common and may not be widely understood.
Connotations
In American English, it often has a lighthearted, slightly humorous connotation. In British contexts, if used, it may be seen as an Americanism.
Frequency
Common in American sports commentary, especially for bowling and pool. Very rare in British English.
Grammar
How to Use “body english” in a Sentence
VERB + body English (use, apply, put)PREP + body English (with body English)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “body english” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He was body-Englished the puck towards the net. (Extremely rare/unnatural)
American English
- He tried to body-English the putt into the hole.
adverb
British English
- He leaned body-Englishedly. (Not used)
American English
- Not typically used.
adjective
British English
- A body-English motion. (Rare)
American English
- She gave it a body-English twist as the ball neared the pocket.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly used metaphorically in informal settings: 'The manager was using a little body English to steer the committee toward his proposal.'
Academic
Virtually never used.
Everyday
Used informally, mainly in contexts discussing games or sports.
Technical
Used in sports journalism and commentary, particularly for games involving a ball or projectile.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “body english”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “body english”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “body english”
- Capitalizing 'english' (should be lowercase unless starting a sentence).
- Using it to refer to physical gestures in general communication (e.g., body language).
- Spelling as 'body english' without the capital 'E' is the standard form for the idiom.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it does not. The 'English' in this phrase is historical, likely derived from the billiards term 'putting English on the ball,' meaning to apply spin. 'Body English' extends this to using the whole body.
No, it is an informal, idiomatic expression used primarily in American English, often in a humorous or descriptive way in sports contexts.
It is not recommended. 'Body language' is the general term for non-verbal communication. 'Body English' is specific to attempting to influence an object's motion, usually in a sporting scenario.
No, it is very much an Americanism. A British speaker would likely understand it in a sporting context but would be far less likely to use it spontaneously.
The act of using physical body movements, often involuntarily or subconsciously, in an attempt to influence the path of an object, especially in games like golf, bowling, or billiards.
Body english: in British English it is pronounced ˈbɒdi ˈɪŋɡlɪʃ, and in American English it is pronounced ˈbɑːdi ˈɪŋɡlɪʃ. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Put some English on it.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a bowler in a US alley physically LEANING as if to GUIDE the ball toward the pins. This physical 'urging' is like speaking to the ball with your BODY instead of with the English LANGUAGE.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BODY IS A TOOL OF PERSUASION/INFLUENCE.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'body English' MOST appropriately used?