flabby
UK: ˈflæbi | US: ˈflæbi
adj. lacking firmness; soft and loose (often describing flesh or muscles)
adj. weak or ineffective in character or quality
flabby = flab<soft, loose flesh> + y<adjective suffix>
- flab: Derived from 17th-century English "flab" (colloquial for loose flesh), likely imitative of the sound or feel of something soft and wobbly.
- y: A common English suffix forming adjectives meaning "characterized by" or "full of."
Etymology Origin:
The word "flabby" emerged in the early 18th century, combining "flab" (a playful, onomatopoeic term for loose flesh) with the adjectival suffix "-y." Its evolution reflects a vivid sensory association—the sound "flab" mimics the wobbling of soft tissue, while "-y" generalizes the trait. Over time, it expanded metaphorically to describe weakness in non-physical contexts (e.g., "flabby argument").
After losing weight, her arms became flabby and lacked tone.
The mattress was so old and flabby that it offered no support.
His flabby leadership failed to inspire the team.
Avoid flabby writing by tightening your sentences.
The jellyfish’s body looked flabby and translucent.