gangly

Gangly is an informal English adjective used to describe a person or animal with a tall, slender frame and long, loosely jointed limbs. The term conveys a sense of ungainliness or awkwardness in movement, though it can be used descriptively without negative judgment. It is most often applied to adolescents during growth spurts or to adults who are notably tall and lanky. It can also describe objects or structures with a stretched, lanky silhouette, such as a gangly piece of equipment or a lamp with long, spindly legs.

Origin and related terms: The precise origin of gangly is uncertain. It likely derives from dialectal or early 20th-century forms related to gangling or lanky, capturing the idea of being awkwardly long. Related synonyms include lanky, gawky, and spindly; antonyms include stocky and compact. The word shares usage with other adjectives that emphasize height and slenderness rather than strength, and its connotation ranges from affectionate to mildly teasing depending on context.

Usage notes: Gangly is informal and generally considered non-derogatory in neutral descriptions, but it can be insulting if used to mock someone's appearance. It is mainly used in English varieties such as American and British English and is most common in colloquial speech and writing.