Where did the term beanpole come from?

beanpole (n.) also bean-pole, “stick for a bean plant to grow round,” 1791, from bean (n.) + pole (n. 1). As “very thin person,” 1837.

What does skinny as a beanpole mean?

The definition of beanpole is a stick used to support a growing bean plant, or is a slang term for a person who is both tall and thin. A thin pole for supporting bean vines. noun. (informal) A tall, thin person.

What does calling someone a beanpole mean?

If you call someone a beanpole, you are criticizing them because you think that they are extremely tall and thin. [informal, disapproval]

What is a beanpole family?

“Beanpole families”- those with fewer children and multiple generations of older people – are leading to profound social changes, government statisticians warned yesterday. Fewer brothers and sis ters in one generation leads to fewer aunts and uncles in the next.

What does shrimpy mean?

inferior size
Definitions of shrimpy. adjective. (used especially of persons) of inferior size. synonyms: puny, runty little, small. limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent.

When did the beanpole family appear?

The term beanpole family has been around in the academic literature at least since 1987, but it rarely appears elsewhere. A recent British report has brought it to wider public notice, at least in the UK. Some researchers find it too slangy and prefer the jargon term verticalised to describe such families.

Why is the beanpole family increasing?

FALLING birth rates and increasing longevity are creating a “beanpole effect” in British families, with more grandparents and great-grandparents, but fewer aunts, uncles and cousins. “This has the knock-on effect of fewer brothers and sisters and, in turn, uncles and aunts for the next generation.

What is the meaning of hog house?

hog house, also called pigpen, building for housing swine, particularly one with facilities for housing a number of hogs under one roof.

What is a skinny runt?

1 lacking in flesh; thin.

What does shut it shrimpy mean?

adjective. (used especially of persons) of inferior size. synonyms: puny, runty little, small. limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent.

How do you spell shrimpy?

Resembling shrimp; shrimplike.