What does legginess mean?
Legginess names the quality of having long, slender, or shapely legs. It is more than a neutral measurement of leg length: the word usually carries aesthetic associations of grace, balance, elegance, and visual appeal. A dancer may be praised for natural legginess, while a model or performer may display legginess through a long-limbed, streamlined appearance. The term can also describe the effect produced by clothing, such as trousers that create an impression of extended, elegant legs. Although fairly uncommon in everyday conversation, it is especially useful in commentary on dance, sport, fashion, photography, and physical performance. It is related to the adjective leggy and should not be confused with lengthiness, which concerns excessive duration or extent rather than the proportions or appearance of the legs.
nounThe quality of having long, slender, or shapely legs. The word is also used figuratively for a graceful, long-legged appearance.
- The quality of having long, slender, or shapely legs, especially as a graceful or striking physical characteristic.
"The dancer's effortless legginess transformed every entrance into a display of balance and grace."
"The model's legginess was emphasized by the sharply tailored trousers."
"His natural legginess carried him across the stage without appearing hurried."
Legginess is normally used as an uncountable noun. A plural form is possible in unusual contexts but is rarely needed.
"The photographs captured the dancers' legginess."
Legginess turns an ordinary feature of the body into a striking visual quality, especially in dance, sport, and fashion.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of legginess
Legginess is an English noun formed from the adjective leggy and the suffix -ness. Leggy itself was created from leg and the suffix -y, with its characteristic sense developing in the direction of having long or slender legs. The compound therefore means literally the quality or state of being leggy. Related forms such as leggily and leglessness continue to use the same English root.
Related word forms
How legginess is actually used
Relatively uncommon and usually literary or descriptive. It is especially associated with graceful movement, dance, fashion, and the appearance of a person or animal with notably long legs.
Easily confused with legginess
Legginess describes the quality of being long-legged, whereas lengthiness describes excessive length in duration or extent.