The word "jowly" is spelled with four letters, starting with the letter J followed by the letters O, W, and L. The phonetic transcription of this word is /ˈdʒaʊli/, with the stress falling on the first syllable "jow". The letter "J" represents the voiced velar stop /dʒ/, while the letters "OW" and "L" represent the diphthong /aʊ/ and the lateral approximant /l/, respectively. "Jowly" is an adjective that describes someone who has sagging or loose skin on their lower face and jawline.
Jowly is an adjective used to describe someone or something that has prominent or sagging cheeks or jowls. The term is derived from the word "jowl," which refers to the fleshy, pendulous lower part of a person's or animal's cheek. It is commonly associated with the appearance of excess fat or loose skin around the lower face, often resulting in the characteristic jowls.
When applied to a person, jowly typically indicates features with a heavier or fuller appearance in the lower face region, specifically the area around the jaws and the chin. This physical trait is commonly observed as a natural part of the aging process or due to weight gain. Jowls are commonly associated with a loss of skin elasticity, collagen, and muscle tone in the facial area.
The term "jowly" can also be used metaphorically in reference to animals, objects, or even places. For example, a dog breed with drooping jowls, such as a Basset Hound, might be described as having a jowly appearance. Similarly, a cushion or pillow that forms folds or bulges in its fabric could be referred to as jowly. In these contexts, the word conveys the sense of excess or sagging in a particular part, whether literal or figurative.
The word "jowly" is derived from the noun "jowl", which first appeared in Middle English around the 14th century. "Jowl" referred to the jaw or the lower part of the face. The exact origin of "jowl" is uncertain, although it is believed to be of Germanic or Scandinavian origin. The term "jowly" is formed by adding the suffix "-ly" to "jowl", indicating that something possesses or demonstrates the characteristics of having a prominent jaw or having a fullness in that area.