ganglier

Ganglier is an English adjective that serves as the comparative form of gangly. It describes a person, animal, or thing that is more gangly—taller and thinner with awkward, loose, or disproportionate proportions—than another reference point. The term is relatively rare and is predominantly found in informal or colloquial use.

Because gangly and ganglier are informal, the word appears mainly in speech, dialogue, and light fiction. In formal writing, speakers typically use more or less gangly or simply say that someone is “more gangly.” The sense is generally humorous or gently critical, highlighting an awkward or ungainly appearance rather than a serious characteristic.

Etymology wise, ganglier is formed from the adjective gangly, with a standard-looking comparative construction, though it remains uncommon. The root word gangly itself dates from the late 19th to early 20th century, and its precise origin is uncertain; ganglier follows the familiar pattern of creating a comparative form for -y adjectives, even when such forms are not routinely used in formal registers.

Examples of use are mostly found in casual narration: “The teenager grew ganglier as puberty progressed.” In most contexts, writers would opt for “more gangly” for clarity or prefer other descriptors such as lankier or gawky.

See also: gangly, lanky, gawky, awkward.