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Pantywaist

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airbolt | 17:22 Tue 29th Mar 2005 | Phrases & Sayings
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A particular American expression of derision is to call someone a Pantywaist. It is always an insult to Men and I think it is similar in meaning to Nerd . Anyone else heard of this expression and its meaning? While I'm at it , why would Pencilneck be an insult?

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Avatar Image Quizmonster

Click http://www.randomhouse.com/wotd/index.pperl?date=19990427 for an explanation of 'pantywaist'. 'Pencilneck' is, I imagine, a reference to its thinness...ie like a pencil...so the suggestion is that it's scrawny.

17:45 Tue 29th Mar 2005
Avatar Image Clare A
I think the American expression is akin to us calling someone a 'big girl's blouse' - ie, an item of female clothing. I agree with Quizmonster that 'pencilneck' must be someone without a big butch bull-neck ie, someone who also doesn't have a big fat head!
23:51 Tue 29th Mar 2005
Avatar Image airbolt
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Thanks . It's fascinating to compare US and UK Idioms.

01:57 Wed 30th Mar 2005
Avatar Image jno
Yes, my English teacher used to say a Brit who was mad about his flat loved his apartment; an American who was mad about his flat was annoyed because he had a puncture.
03:11 Wed 30th Mar 2005
Avatar Image Clare A
I love that one, jno!
05:06 Tue 05th Apr 2005

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