The spelling of the word "thick bodied" can be explained using the IPA phonetic transcription. "Thick" is spelled /θɪk/ with the voiceless dental fricative sound /θ/ and the short "i" vowel sound /ɪ/. "Bodied" is spelled /ˈbɑːdi/ with the stress on the first syllable and the long "a" vowel sound /ɑː/. Together, the words create a compound adjective that describes a person or an animal as having a thick, robust body. This spelling accurately reflects the sounds of the word when spoken.
Thick-bodied is an adjective that describes an individual or an object with a heavy or large physical structure, characterized by a bulky or substantial appearance. It refers to something that possesses a considerable thickness or voluminous dimensions in relation to its overall size or shape.
When used to describe animals, thick-bodied often suggests that the creature's physical build is muscular, robust, or stout, with a notable width or girth. This term frequently applies to mammals and reptiles known for their solid physique, such as the rhinoceros, hippopotamus, or anaconda.
In the context of objects, thick-bodied refers to items or materials that have a substantial width or depth compared to similar objects of the same category. For example, a thick-bodied book could imply that it has a significantly wider spine or a greater number of pages than most books in its genre.
The term thick-bodied can also carry metaphorical connotations when applied to people. It might suggest that an individual has a stocky or strong physical build, appearing less lean or slender compared to others. This can refer to athletes who possess a considerable amount of muscle mass or to individuals with a more robust physique due to genetics or lifestyle.
Overall, "thick-bodied" describes something that is characterized by a solid and substantial physical structure, encompassing both literal and figurative meanings.
The term "thick-bodied" does not have a specific etymology because it is a combination of two simple words, "thick" and "bodied", both of which have their own origins.
1. "Thick" comes from the Old English word "thicce", which is related to the Middle Dutch and Dutch word "dik". It ultimately traces back to the Proto-Germanic word "thekuz", meaning "thick" or "dense".
2. "Bodied" is derived from the Old English word "bodian", which means "to make a body" or "to become corporeal". It comes from the Proto-Germanic word "bodōną", meaning "to announce" or "to proclaim". This word is also related to "body" as a noun, referring to the physical structure of a human or animal.