How Do You Spell LANKY?

Pronunciation: [lˈaŋki] (IPA)

"Lanky" is a six-letter word in English that refers to a tall and thin individual. The spelling of this word is interesting, as it contains the digraph "nk" which is pronounced as a single consonant sound /ŋk/. The first syllable of "lanky" is pronounced with the long vowel sound /eɪ/, as in the word "hay." The stress in this word falls on the first syllable, making it pronounced as /ˈleɪŋki/. The IPA phonetic transcription provides a helpful tool in understanding the spelling and pronunciation of this word.

LANKY Meaning and Definition

  1. Lanky is an adjective used to describe a person or thing that is tall, thin, and often awkward in appearance or movement. It refers to someone who has long limbs, a lean body, and exaggerated height in comparison to their overall build. A lanky person typically possesses long arms, legs, or both, and may have a relatively narrow frame. This physical characteristic often gives the impression of an individual who is stretched or elongated.

    In terms of posture, a lanky person may display a certain degree of slouching or stooping due to their height. This can contribute to the impression of an awkward or uncoordinated appearance.

    The term lanky can also be used metaphorically to describe an object or structure that is tall and thin, such as a lanky tree or a lanky building. It implies a sense of verticality and narrowness.

    Overall, lanky conveys the idea of someone or something that stands out in terms of their height, thinness, or both, often with a suggestion of ungainliness or awkwardness. It is a term that highlights the physical attributes and may convey a sense of atypical proportions or exaggerated thinness.

  2. Tall and thin.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for LANKY

Etymology of LANKY

The word "lanky" originated from the dialectal word "lank", which dates back to the late 16th century. "Lank" originally meant "straight" or "slender". It is believed to be derived from the Old Norse word "langr", meaning "long". Over time, "lank" developed into "lanky", which specifically describes a person who is tall and thin with long limbs.

Similar spelling words for LANKY

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