Definition of well hung

The phrase "well hung" originally referred to the proper hoisting and securing of heavy objects in a vertical position, such as barrels or sacks of grain, using hooks or pulleys. This usage can be traced back to Old English and Middle English, where the expression "welets hetunge" or "hyghte" was used to describe the state of being properly suspended or balanced. In the late 16th century, the phrase began to take on a more suggestive meaning in relation to male anatomy, with the explicit connotation of having a large and impressive penis. This metaphorical appropriation of the term likely emerged from the cognitive association between weight and size, as well as the colloquial derivation of "hang" into "jut," or "protrude." The dual meaning of "well hung" has exploded in popular culture over the past few centuries, with the euphemism appearing in literature, jokes, and quips across a range of genres. However, the original, literal sense of the word remains in use today, particularly in the context of lifting or hoisting heavy equipment.