spindleshanks

[ spin-dl-shangks ]

/ ˈspɪn dlˌʃæŋks /

Save This Word!

noun, plural spin·dle·shanks.(used with a singular or plural verb)

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

Origin of spindleshanks

First recorded in 1560–70; spindle + shank + -s³

spin·dle-shanked

[spin-dl-shangkt], /ˈspɪn dlˌʃæŋkt/, adjective

When a man has such spindleshanks as yours, he shouldn't put on so many airs.
Paul and His Dog, v.1 (Novels of Paul de Kock Volume XIII)|Charles Paul de Kock
Is your name, perhaps, Sheepshanks Cruickshanks, Spindleshanks?
The Blue Fairy Book|Various
Compliments are the makeshifts of the elderly to call away attention from their spindleshanks.
A Nest of Linnets|Frank Frankfort Moore
Perhaps they call you Sheepshanks, or Cruickshanks, or Spindleshanks?
Boys and Girls Bookshelf (Vol 2 of 17)|Various

Perhaps you are called Roast-ribs, or Sheepshanks, or Spindleshanks?
Household Stories by the Brothers Grimm|Jacob Grimm and Wilhelm Grimm