beentjes

Beentjes is a Dutch noun that functions as the diminutive plural of beentje, the diminutive form of been. Beentje means "little leg," and beentjes means "little legs." In everyday language beentjes is used to describe small legs, especially of children or small animals, and to convey affection or playfulness.

Linguistically, been refers to a leg or limb; beentje and beentjes are diminutive forms used when speaking about small legs. Beentjes often carries a soft, endearing nuance and appears frequently in parenting talk, children's literature, and songs.

Examples: "Kijk naar die schattige beentjes van het kindje." "Zijn beentjes deden pijn na het rennen." In contrast, benen is the neutral plural for legs.

Beentjes is not a technical term in anatomy; it is colloquial and its use is context-dependent.

See also beentje, been, benen.