armpit

American  

[ahrm-pit] / ˈɑrmˌpɪt /

noun

1. the hollow under the arm at the shoulder; axilla.

2. Slang. the worst possible place or area.

   Their car has broken down, stranding them in the armpit of California until it can be fixed.

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armpit British  

/ ˈɑːmˌpɪt /

noun

1. Technical name: axilla.  the small depression beneath the arm where it joins the shoulder

2. slang an extremely unpleasant place

   the armpit of the Mediterranean

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Etymology

Origin of armpit

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English; arm ¹ + pit ¹ ( def. )

Explanation

Your armpit is the area underneath your upper arm, where it connects to your shoulder. Armpits tend to be smelly, so we would advise to steer clear of an open armpit on a bus or subway. Another common word for armpit is "underarm," while the official anatomical term is axilla. Perhaps because your armpits tend to get sweaty and a little smelly after you exercise, the word armpit is sometimes used as a derogatory term for an unattractive place: "That city is so ugly it's the armpit of New Jersey." Before armpit, the axilla was known as an arm-hole.

Example Sentences

Armpit microbiome transplants, championed by Christopher Callewaert, a scientist appropriately known as "Dr. Armpit," are one such method.

From Salon • Nov. 9, 2021

Armpit temperature-taking is the least accurate and should be avoided unless it is the only option, LeRoy says.

From Washington Post • Apr. 3, 2020

Times takes a tour of Coachella's "Armpit," an art installation at this year's music festival.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2016

“Dear New Jersey,” the ad says, “When people call you ‘the Armpit of America,’ take it as a compliment.

From Time • Mar. 1, 2014

“You say he came at you?” the officer in charge asked one of the officers who handcuffed Armpit.

From "Small Steps" by Louis Sachar