Beanpole

/ˈbiːnˌpoʊl/ noun

Definition

A tall, very thin person, or a pole used to support climbing bean plants.

Etymology

Compound word: 'bean' + 'pole' (stick). The literal meaning (pole for bean plants) came first, then became slang for skinny people in the 1800s.

Kelly Says

Calling a skinny person a 'beanpole' is weird poetry—it compares them to what holds up plants, making thinness sound almost structural and support-related.

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