Akimbo
əˈkimbō
Adverb
- With hands on the hips and elbows turned outward.
- (Of other limbs) Flung out widely or haphazardly.
Example Sentences
“The Little League coach stood akimbo at the third base line.”
“I could tell she was irritated by the way she had one arm akimbo and her eyebrow raised.”
“If you pose akimbo, you’ll show off your new shirt in your photos.”
Word Origin
Late Middle English, late 14th century
Why this word?
The word “akimbo” comes from a Middle English phrase, which likely came from Old Norse — “in kenebowe” meant “at a sharp angle.” “Akimbo” generally refers to someone standing with their hands on hips and elbows out, but has gradually shifted to a haphazard flinging of limbs.
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