Spindle-shanked for Dummies

Hey there! So, you're wondering what "spindle-shanked" means, right? Don't worry, I'm here to help you understand it in the easiest way possible. Now, picture a spindle in your mind, you know, like the one that Sleeping Beauty pricked her finger on? Well, a spindle is a long and thin rod or stick, like the ones used to make thread or yarn, especially in the past.

Now, when we add "shanked" to "spindle," it means that the person or thing being described has legs that are thin and long, just like a spindle. Imagine those super skinny pencils we use for drawing- that's how "spindle-shanked" looks like on a person or even an animal. It's like they have legs that are long and slender, sort of like a flamingo or a giraffe.

But hold on! "Spindle-shanked" can also mean something else. You know how people sometimes use phrases to describe someone's personality or character? Well, in this case, if we call someone "spindle-shanked," we're not talking about their physical appearance anymore. We're saying that they are weak or lacking strength, kinda like a person who doesn't exercise and has really skinny legs because of it.

So, the word "spindle-shanked" can mean two different things. It can describe someone or something with thin and long legs, or it can describe a person who is weak and lacking strength. It's like saying "Hey, that person has super skinny legs like a spindle!" or "Wow, they're not very strong, they're quite spindle-shanked."

I hope that clears it up for you! If you have any more questions, don't hesitate to ask.