Akimbo

/əˈkɪmboʊ/ adverb

Definition

With hands on hips and elbows bent outward, or in a bent or angular position; the classic 'hands on hips' pose.

Etymology

From Old Norse 'á kemba' meaning 'in a sharp bend'; the phrase evolved through Middle English to describe this distinctive angular body position.

Kelly Says

Akimbo appears constantly in adventure stories because it's a 'power pose'—it makes characters look confident and defiant, and artists use it to show attitude without saying a word!

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