double chin
MediumInformal, colloquial, mildly humorous, sometimes self-deprecating
Definition
Meaning
A layer of subcutaneous fat or loose skin beneath the chin, creating a visible fold or extra layer that gives the appearance of a second chin.
Used metaphorically to suggest self-indulgence, lack of discipline, or a sign of age and weight gain. In a wider sense, it can refer to any redundant, sagging layer.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a noun. The term is descriptive and often carries a negative aesthetic connotation, but can be used neutrally in medical/health contexts. It refers to a physical feature, not a medical condition itself.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term and its connotations are virtually identical in both varieties. Spelling of related words (e.g., humour/humor) follows regional norms.
Connotations
Similar in both: a mildly negative aesthetic trait, often associated with being overweight or aging. It is a common, non-technical term.
Frequency
Equally common and understood in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
have + a + double chinbe/get + developing + a + double chinsuffer from + a + double chinVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Related] To be chin-deep in something (to be deeply involved).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Extremely rare. Might appear in marketing for cosmetic or fitness services (e.g., 'target your double chin').
Academic
Rare. Would be replaced by clinical terms like 'submental adiposity' or 'cervicometal laxity' in medical/health science literature.
Everyday
The primary context. Common in personal conversations about appearance, health, and ageing.
Technical
In cosmetic surgery/dermatology, the term is used alongside technical descriptors (e.g., 'treatment of double chin fat').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- (Non-standard/rare) After years of rich puddings, he was starting to double-chin a bit.
American English
- (Non-standard/rare) She joked that her holiday cookies would make her double-chin by January.
adjective
British English
- He had a noticeable double-chin profile in the photograph. (hyphenated attributive use)
American English
- The celebrity was plagued by double-chin rumors after the unflattering photo. (hyphenated attributive use)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He has a double chin.
- I think I'm getting a double chin from all these biscuits.
- The portrait was unflattering, accentuating the subject's double chin.
- Genetic predisposition, not just weight, can be a significant factor in the development of a submental fullness, commonly known as a double chin.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine the word 'double' written on two chins stacked on top of each other.
Conceptual Metaphor
EXCESS IS AN EXTRA LAYER / AGEING/LAZINESS IS SAGGING
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid a direct calque like *'двойной подбородок'*? (It's correct!). The trap is assuming it's a rare term; it's the standard, everyday phrase. Do not try to invent alternatives.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'double-chin' (the hyphen is not standard in the noun form). Using it as a verb incorrectly (e.g., 'He double-chinned' is non-standard).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'double chin' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While excess weight is a common cause, genetics, ageing (skin laxity), and posture can also contribute significantly.
Submental fat or submental adiposity. If referring to loose skin, it might be called cervical mental skin laxity.
It's a direct, informal term. It can be considered impolite if used to describe someone else without care. In polite or sensitive contexts, euphemisms like 'fullness under the chin' might be preferred.
No, this is not a standard verb. The standard construction is 'to develop a double chin' or 'to have a double chin'.