Monday, December 19, 2011

Callipygian: A lonely but useful word

Photo via Robert L. Peters
How many words can you think of that have no synonyms, where there is literally no other, single word to describe a concept? I learned a new one this morning: "Callipygian," which means "having well-shaped buttocks," according to Dictionary.com. The Thesaurus entry on the word, by contrast, yields no results. A related form of the word, as evidenced in the accompanying photo, is "callipygous."

There are perhaps slang synonyms - "bootylicious," comes to mind - though a web search came up with surprisingly few others. But "callipygian," with its etymological referent to Aphrodite, lacks the same misogynist air while capturing the same concept.

Excellent word.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

This post made me smile. It is indeed a lonely word. But I prefer to look at things positively so I'll settle with unique, despite it being cliche and all.

Kari (Havoth) said...

I just LOVE new words and cool suggestions on the use of them...Thanks!