love handles

American  

plural noun

1. Informal. bulges of fat at the sides of the waist.

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love handles British  

plural noun

1. informal folds of excess fat on either side of the waist

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Etymology

Origin of love handles

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

There was a packed schedule of Premier League matches on the way—games that shake up the top of the standings—and Guardiola wasn’t prepared to tolerate any love handles.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 26, 2025

"They only gave me lipo in my stomach and my love handles and transferred it to my butt. I had to choose between a BBL or a tummy tuck," she recalled.

From Salon • Apr. 29, 2023

The FDA initially cleared CoolSculpting in 2010 for use on love handles after Zeltiq, a small company that developed the device, submitted a study of 60 subjects.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 17, 2023

Evangelista underwent seven treatments in 2015 and 2016, targeting trouble spots, including her chin and jawline, “bra flab” area under her arms, tummy, love handles and inner thighs.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 16, 2022

And even though I hated getting shuffled around and grabbed by my love handles, my rubbery constipated face did relax into a smile.

From "Darius the Great Is Not Okay" by Adib Khorram