Broad in the Beam
Broad in the beam - Having wide hips. This humorously unflattering description, nearly always of a woman’s build, transfers the nautical terminology for a ship’s widest point. Lexicographer J. E. Lightner quotes an 1836 issue of Spirit of Times, saying, “Ned Curtis had a wife, a strapping craft, broad in the beam, with a high stern. . . .” The phrase seems to be sailing into obscurity, much like old ships into the sunset.
Related & Similar Terms
- “Steady as she goes”: Keeping a course with minimal deviation, similar to staying or being steady.
- “Tight ship”: Something managed efficiently, without waste or slack — kind of the opposite of being broad in the beam.
- “Built like a brick house”: Also implies a large, strong build but can be more flattering.
Synonyms
- Wide-hipped
- Ample-figured
- Robust (when you’re feeling diplomatic)
Antonyms
- Willowy
- Lithe
- Slight
Humor-filled Quotes and Proverbs
- “She’s built like a ship; not sure if it’s the Titanic or the QE2, but there’s a lot of space.”
- “Nautically speaking, having more beam can mean added stability, if you catch my drift.”
Literary References
- Herman Melville’s “Moby Dick”: The nautical language deeply embedded in this novel provides a treasure trove. Look out for picturesque descriptions of watercraft!
- Jane Austen’s “Emma”: Subtlety and class will contrast starkly with humorous, archaic descriptions.
Movies & Songs
- Movie: “Titanic” (1997) - Caution: not everyone will find comparisons to actual ships amusing but maritime terminology is aplenty.
- Song: “Sea Cruise” by Frankie Ford - Embrace the nautical life with this classic tune.
### Which of these phrases is nautical in nature?
- [x] Broad in the beam
- [ ] Hip waltzing
- [ ] Waist reader
- [ ] Ocean dancer
> **Explanation:** "Broad in the beam" is indeed derived from nautical vernacular, referring to the width of a ship.
### Which phrase could also imply someone ‘broad in the beam’?
- [ ] Skinny as a rail
- [ ] Fleeting like a feather
- [x] Built like a battleship
- [ ] Swifter than the wind
> **Explanation:** "Built like a battleship" is another robust and referenced phrase denoting a larger physical presence.
### True or False: "Broad in the beam" is a term frequently used today.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** Though colorfully quaint, "broad in the beam" is not commonly used in the modern lexicon anymore.
Until next time, let’s navigate these idioms with a hefty sense of humor and an eye on the horizon!
Fairwinds and following seas! 🌊🔱
— Sally Seeworther
