The word "love handle" is spelled as /lʌv ˈhændl/, with the stress on the first syllable of each word. The word "love" is pronounced with the short "u" sound in the first syllable and the voiced "v" sound at the end. "Handle" is pronounced with the short "a" sound in the first syllable and the velarized "l" sound at the end. The term "love handle" refers to excess fat around the waist and hip area, often associated with a lack of physical activity and poor diet.
A "love handle" refers to a slang term used to describe excess fat or bulges that accumulate on the sides of the abdomen, particularly around the area just above the hips. It typically extends from the lower ribs to the hip bone. Love handles are more common in individuals who have a higher percentage of body fat, particularly around the midsection.
The term "love handle" is believed to have originated due to the notion that these fatty deposits can be held or grabbed by a person's hand, therefore suggesting that they can be loved or grabbed onto. While the term is colloquial and not medically precise, it has become popular to describe this specific area of fat accumulation.
Love handles are often associated with weight gain, lack of physical activity, and unhealthy eating habits. They can be difficult to eliminate solely through exercise, as targeted weight loss in specific areas is generally not possible. Generally, adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet and regular physical exercise can contribute to the reduction of love handles over time.
In conclusion, "love handle" is a colloquial term used to describe fat deposits located on the sides of the abdomen, particularly above the hips.
The term "love handle" is believed to have originated in the early 1960s in American English. However, tracing its exact etymology is challenging as slang terms often emerge within specific communities or regions without clear documentation.
The term "love handle" likens the excess fat deposits on the sides of the waist to something that can be grasped or held during an intimate or affectionate embrace. The word "love" in this context is used to describe the affectionate nature of embracing someone from behind. "Handle" symbolizes the excess fat as something that can be grabbed onto, like a handle on an object.
While the exact origin is difficult to pinpoint, it is likely that the term slowly emerged as a descriptive phrase to refer to this specific area of body fat, gaining popularity and entering more widespread usage over time.