Gangling

Gangling describes a person, animal, or thing that is tall, thin, and awkward in their movements. It often implies a lack of coordination and a somewhat ungainly appearance. The word suggests an excessive length in limbs and a general lack of grace, as if the individual is still growing into their frame. It can be applied to both humans and animals, particularly those undergoing rapid growth spurts. The term can evoke a sense of clumsiness and a difficulty in controlling one's body, making the subject appear uncoordinated and somewhat out of place.

Gangling meaning with examples

• The teenager, experiencing a growth spurt, felt self-conscious about his gangling frame as he towered over his friends. His limbs seemed too long for his torso, and he often tripped over his own feet, adding to his awkwardness in the group.
• The gangling giraffe, still a youngster, stumbled clumsily as he navigated the savanna, his long neck swaying precariously with each ungainly stride. He was often compared to a lanky scarecrow which his friends playfully teased, adding to his insecurities.
• The puppy, a golden retriever, was in its gangling phase; its legs were disproportionately long, making its playful leaps somewhat unpredictable. It was constantly tripping and falling as he grew into his body, causing all the house guests to laugh.
• The old oak tree had grown gangling over the years, its branches reaching out in odd angles, twisting and turning as they sought the sunlight. Storms had further contorted the branches giving it a haunted yet elegant look.
• The artist's depiction of the alien was of a gangling figure with elongated limbs and a curious, almost apologetic posture. The odd figure made the crowd that went to his showing wonder about the intent behind the odd character.