paunchy

UK: ˈpɔːntʃi | US: ˈpɔːntʃi

Definition

  1. adj. having a large or protruding belly; potbellied

Structure
paunch <belly>y <adjective suffix>
Etymology

The word "paunchy" derives from "paunch," which originated from the Old French "panche" (meaning "belly") and Latin "pantex" (meaning "intestines" or "belly"). The suffix "-y" is a common English adjectival suffix indicating "having the quality of." Over time, "paunchy" evolved to describe someone with a noticeably large or protruding belly, often implying a lack of fitness or excess weight.

Examples

  1. The paunchy old man struggled to tie his shoelaces.

  2. After years of desk work, he became noticeably paunchy.

  3. The comedian exaggerated his paunchy silhouette for laughs.

  4. A paunchy middle-aged man waddled down the street.

  5. Despite his paunchy appearance, he was surprisingly agile.