AKIMBO

It's a fabulous word, I think, the word 'AKIMBO'.

I thought it meant exactly what is shown in the picture here--flailing legs and arms.

I even used it recently, with just that effect in mind.  I used it in print.

Now what do I do?  Correct it before it's too late?  I don't think I can.

This photo of the woman demonstrates what 'akimbo' actually means--hands on waist, elbows jutting out.

I thought this stance meant "Come here right now, young man, before I have to come and get you."

Or "You really expect me to believe that?"

Or "If you think I'm going to believe that, then you have another think coming, mister."

Minus the smile.  This woman is smiling merely because she is demonstrating, as opposed to actually being in, the state of 'akimbo'.

Frankly, I am disappointed that such an active word as 'akimbo', so musically twirling and odd, what with that 'k' and the last letters being a 'b' and an 'o', is the word for this rigid stance.

But maybe I'm just embarrassed for having used it incorrectly all these years.  Like how, it turns out, I've also been mispronouncing the word 'debacle'--

I had no idea the accent was on the second syllable until my son corrected me.  I thought it was on the first syllable.  I was so sure he was wrong, my son got up from the (until then) congenial meal we were having, found the dictionary, and without further ado, proved he was right.

I would have choked on the twice-baked potatoes except we were having chicken tacos. 

Comments

[Jim]

Hello. I never noticed you before today.

The Indy popped up online this evening and, looking for Memorial Day events to replace the pancake breakfast, I read your delightful disquisition on 'akimbo.' I was similarly under the wrong impression. I attribute my misapprehension to the fictional character from thirties Chicago, Legs Akimbo. While the wiki on the word says it is for arms only, I don't believe I have ever heard it used that way. Only legs.

Then I read the rest of your blog. I like the writing, I like the length, and I like the pictures. I see you took note, as I did, of the strange manikins on PCH between Ocean and Forest.

I presume your column is in the paper edition also, but I have never noticed it.
Hereafter I will look.

Jim Rue