burly

Burly is an English adjective describing a person’s physical build as large and strong, often with muscular or stocky proportions. It emphasizes heft and ruggedness, and is commonly used of men, though it can describe animals or objects that are robust. Depending on context, burly can be neutral or carry a suggestion of roughness or toughness.

In use, burly conveys more than mere height; it implies substantial mass and power in a frame. Phrases such as a burly guard or a burly farmer illustrate its typical application. The word can read as straightforward description, but in some contexts it may carry humorous, affectionate, or pejorative nuance depending on tone.

Etymology: The precise origin of burly is unclear; the term has appeared in English since the Early Modern period, and its sense has sharpened over time to emphasize physical size and strength rather than personality traits. It remains a standard descriptive adjective in modern English.

Related terms include stout, sturdy, stocky, muscular, and beefy. While all describe size or strength, each carries slightly different implications for proportion, posture, or temperament.