spindlelegs: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, Humorous, Potentially Derogatory
Quick answer
What does “spindlelegs” mean?
A person, especially a child or man, with very long and thin legs.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person, especially a child or man, with very long and thin legs.
A derogatory or humorous nickname for someone perceived as having disproportionately thin, long legs, often suggesting awkwardness or fragility.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Slightly more established in British English due to the history of 'spindle' as a common object. In American English, it is primarily literary or humorous.
Connotations
Both varieties share the core connotation of thinness and potential awkwardness. British use may carry a slightly more whimsical or rustic tone.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both varieties. More likely to be encountered in literature or period dialogue than in spontaneous modern speech.
Grammar
How to Use “spindlelegs” in a Sentence
He's nothing but a spindlelegs.Don't call him spindlelegs!The boy's spindlelegs barely held him up.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “spindlelegs” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He had a spindlelegged look about him. (archaic/rare)
American English
- The colt was all spindlelegged and wobbly. (literary)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Never used.
Academic
Rare; only in historical/literary analysis.
Everyday
Very rare; used jokingly or insultingly among close acquaintances.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “spindlelegs”
- Using it as an adjective (*He is very spindlelegs). Correct: 'He has spindlelegs' or 'He is a spindlelegs.'
- Using singular 'spindleleg'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be, depending on context and tone. It is often used humorously or teasingly among friends, but can be hurtful if intended to mock someone's appearance.
It is possible but less common. The term is traditionally and most frequently applied to men or boys.
No, the standard form is always plural 'spindlelegs', even when used as a noun for a person (e.g., 'He's a spindlelegs').
It is primarily a plural noun (describing the legs) or a singular count noun (describing a person). The adjectival form 'spindlelegged' exists but is rare.
A person, especially a child or man, with very long and thin legs.
Spindlelegs is usually informal, humorous, potentially derogatory in register.
Spindlelegs: in British English it is pronounced /ˈspɪnd(ə)lˌlɛɡz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈspɪnd(ə)lˌlɛɡz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To have legs like spindles”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a spinning wheel's SPINDLE (a thin rod) with legs attached to it. SPINDLE + LEGS = thin, rod-like legs.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BODY IS A TOOL/MACHINE (a spindle is part of a spinning tool).
Practice
Quiz
'Spindlelegs' is most appropriately used to describe someone who is: