lats
lowcolloquial / technical (fitness)
Definition
Meaning
slang term for latissimus dorsi muscles, the large muscles on the sides of the back.
Primarily a plural noun used in bodybuilding and fitness contexts to refer to the paired latissimus dorsi muscles. Can occasionally be used as slang for the former currency of Latvia, but this is now obsolete.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Almost exclusively used in the plural form. The singular 'lat' is extremely rare in speech. The term is functionally a clipped form of the anatomical name 'latissimus dorsi'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Identical in meaning and usage in fitness contexts. The former currency sense is equally historical in both dialects.
Connotations
Strongly associated with gym culture, weightlifting, and physique development. Neutral within that subculture, informal outside of it.
Frequency
Equally low in general language, but common within the specific domain of fitness and bodybuilding in both the UK and US.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
to work one's latsto have [adjective] latsto feel it in one's latsVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to spread one's lats (bodybuilding pose)”
- “to get winged lats”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Extremely rare, except in the context of fitness-related businesses (e.g., 'Our new machine isolates the lats').
Academic
Used in anatomy, sports science, and physiotherapy contexts.
Everyday
Almost exclusively used by people involved in gym-going, weight training, or bodybuilding.
Technical
A standard, albeit informal, term in exercise physiology, personal training, and bodybuilding.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He does pull-ups to make his lats stronger.
- My lats are sore from the gym yesterday.
- Developing wide lats is crucial for achieving the classic V-taper physique.
- A torn lat can sideline a weightlifter for months.
- The programme prioritises lat engagement through scapular retraction before the concentric pulling phase.
- His phenomenal lat spread was the deciding factor in the bodybuilding competition.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a gymnast on the 'lat' bar, using their 'lats' to pull up.
Conceptual Metaphor
The body as architecture: lats as 'wings' or a V-shaped 'frame'.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with the unrelated word 'латы' (armor). No direct equivalent; must use descriptive phrase 'широчайшие мышцы спины'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'lat' as a singular countable noun in general conversation (e.g., 'My right lat hurts' is understood in gym contexts but is non-standard).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'lats' most commonly used today?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The lats (latissimus dorsi) are the large, flat muscles on either side of your upper back, extending from the shoulder to the lower spine.
It's very uncommon. The term is almost always used in the plural 'lats', even when referring to one side (e.g., 'I've pulled my lats' might refer to one muscle).
No, it's a colloquial clipping. The formal anatomical term is the singular 'latissimus dorsi' (or plural 'latissimi dorsi').
Wide-grip pull-ups and lat pulldowns are considered fundamental exercises for developing the latissimus dorsi muscles.