Gangling is a word that is often misspelled. The correct spelling is /ˈɡæŋɡlɪŋ/. The IPA phonetic transcription helps to explain the spelling of this word. The first syllable, /ˈɡæŋ/, is spelled with a "g" and "ng" because it represents the "ng" sound in English. The second syllable, /ɡlɪŋ/, is spelled with "gl" and "ing" because it represents the "gl" sound followed by the suffix "-ing". Therefore, the correct spelling of gangling is important for effective communication.
Gangling is an adjective used to describe someone who is excessively tall, thin, and awkward in their movements or physique. It refers to a person who lacks coordination and appears ungainly due to their elongated limbs and overall spindly appearance. This term is often employed to depict someone during a stage of growth, such as in adolescence, when individuals may go through a period of sudden growth spurts before fully maturing into their adult bodies.
Typically, a gangling individual may possess a lanky frame, with long arms and legs that seem out of proportion with the rest of their body. Their movements may appear clumsy and uncoordinated as they navigate their elongated limbs. Gangling is sometimes associated with a lack of grace or elegance, as their physical attributes can make them appear awkward or ungainly in their everyday actions.
Although gangling is generally used to describe physical attributes, it can also extend to someone's overall demeanor. A gangling person may be viewed as awkward or socially inept due to their perceived physical awkwardness, even if they possess other endearing qualities. The term gangling is commonly associated with youthful or transitional stages, where individuals are still growing into their bodies.
The word "gangling" is derived from the Middle English word "gangelinge", which comes from the Old Norse word "ganglingr". In Old Norse, "ganglingr" meant "awkward" or "unsteady". It is believed that the word ultimately traces back to the Old Norse verb "gang^a", meaning "to go" or "to walk". Over time, the meaning of "gangling" evolved to refer specifically to a person or animal that is tall, thin, and somewhat uncoordinated in their movements.