gangle: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very lowInformal, colloquial
Quick answer
What does “gangle” mean?
To move or walk in a clumsy, unsteady, or ungainly manner, typically because of long, thin limbs or an awkward build.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To move or walk in a clumsy, unsteady, or ungainly manner, typically because of long, thin limbs or an awkward build.
To exist or protrude in a loose, awkward, or uncoordinated way; to be tall and lanky to the point of appearing clumsy.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More commonly used in British English, though still infrequent. American English might use 'lope' or 'shamble' for similar concepts, but 'gangle' is recognised.
Connotations
Slightly humorous, descriptive. Not derogatory.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both formal and casual speech in the US, slightly less so in informal UK contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “gangle” in a Sentence
Intransitive verb: SUBJECT + gangle + (adverb/prepositional phrase)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gangle” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The young lad would gangle about the garden, all elbows and knees.
- She watched him gangle off towards the bus stop, his scarf trailing behind.
American English
- The puppy started to gangle around the yard after growing so fast.
- He just gangled into the room and knocked over the lamp.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Not used in formal academic writing.
Everyday
Used in informal, descriptive speech, often humorously.
Technical
Not applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gangle”
- Using it as a transitive verb (e.g., 'He gangled the box' is incorrect).
- Confusing it with the adjective 'gangly'.
- Overusing due to its rarity.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very low-frequency word used primarily in informal British English for humorous or descriptive effect.
No, the correct adjective form is 'gangly' (or 'gangling'). 'Gangle' is a verb.
'Gangle' implies a habitual, awkward way of moving due to physique, while 'stumble' refers to a single, momentary loss of balance.
No, there is no standard noun form. The concept is described with phrases like 'a gangling walk' or 'his gangly stature'.
To move or walk in a clumsy, unsteady, or ungainly manner, typically because of long, thin limbs or an awkward build.
Gangle is usually informal, colloquial in register.
Gangle: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡæŋɡ(ə)l/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡæŋɡəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a TANGLE of long, GANGly limbs - to GANGLE is to move like you're tangled up.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BODY IS AN AWKWARD, UNCOORDINATED MACHINE.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the verb 'gangle' most appropriately used?