stubby legs

Meanings

1. 1phrasepluralinformal

   short, thick legs that look wide rather than long.

   Grammar: Always plural because legs come in pairs; use 'a pair of stubby legs' for one set.

   Patterns

   • have stubby legs
   • with stubby legs
   • a pair of stubby legs

   The little dog ran across the yard on its stubby legs.

   He sat on the low chair, his stubby legs barely reaching the floor.

   The table has stubby legs, so it fits neatly under the window.

2. 2phrasepluralinformaldisapproving

   a way of describing someone's body as short and solid in the legs.

   Grammar: Usually used after 'have' or 'with'; not used to talk about one leg alone.

   Patterns

   • be stubby-legged
   • have stubby legs

   The cartoon character is drawn with stubby legs and a big head.

   She joked that her stubby legs made her a slow runner.

Common combinations

short and stubby

The puppy's legs are short and stubby, which makes it look clumsy.

stubby little legs

The baby toddled around on stubby little legs.

stubby legs and a long body

The dachshund has stubby legs and a long body.

on stubby legs

The heavy pot stood on stubby legs.

Synonyms and how they differ

short legs

Neutral and factual; 'stubby legs' adds the idea of thickness and often sounds more informal or affectionate.

stocky legs

Describes strong, wide legs, usually of a person or animal; it suggests strength rather than cuteness.

dumpy legs

More negative and informal, suggesting an unattractive, low shape.

Opposites

Word family

stubby adjective

Short and thick, like a stub.

stub noun

A short remaining piece of something.

Commonly confused: stubby legs or sturdy legs?

Practice

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