underbelly

Underbelly is a term with several related meanings. In anatomy and zoology, it refers to the ventral or lower surface of an organism—the belly or abdomen in humans and other mammals, or the underside of animals. The term emphasizes the underside, often including the belly area containing internal organs and, in cooking or veterinary contexts, the abdominal region.

In metaphorical usage, underbelly denotes the seamy or hidden part of something, often society or an organization. Phrases such as the “underbelly of a city” describe crime, corruption, or vice that lies beneath the surface of everyday life.

In popular culture, Underbelly is the title of an Australian crime drama television series that began in 2008. The series is based on real criminal cases in Sydney and is known for portraying the criminal underworld and its impact on society. The title reflects the concept of a concealed or dangerous underside to public life.

Etymology: a compound of under + belly, tracing to standard senses of both words in English, first used in figurative senses in the 19th century and widely adopted in both British and American English.