Definition of flabby

The origin of the word "flabby" can be traced back to Middle English, around the 14th century. At that time, the word was spelled "flapend," and it meant "soft and pendulous," specifically referring to skin or flesh. The "flap-" part of the word comes from the Old Norse word "flappr," which referred to something floppy or hanging loosely. The "-end" part of the word, however, is unclear. Some linguists believe that it was simply added to the Old Norse root word to make it more descriptive and memorable, while others suggest that it could have come from the Old English word "dynn" meaning "drooping." Throughout the centuries, the spelling and pronunciation of the word have evolved, with it becoming "flabby" in Modern English. Today, the word is commonly used to describe soft or excess flesh, especially in relation to the human body. It can also be used to describe other things that are soft and unshapely, such as flabby support systems or flabby political agendas. In summary, the origin of the word "flabby" can be traced back to the Old Norse root word "flappr," which referred to something hanging loosely or floppy. The addition of the "-end" or "-gy" suffix to this root word in Middle English contributed to the word's meaning and helped it to survive into modern times as a descriptive term for soft or excess flesh.