Belly Meaning
Belly Definition & Usage
The front part of the body between the chest and the pelvis; the abdomen.
Examples
- "She placed her hand gently on her belly as she felt the baby kick."
- "He has a small belly from all the fast food he eats."
- "After eating a large meal, I felt my belly tighten."
- "The cat curled up on her belly, enjoying the warmth."
- "His belly ached after the long run."
A rounded or protruding part of the body, often used affectionately or humorously to refer to someone's midsection.
Examples
- "He patted his belly after finishing his third helping of food."
- "She laughed, pointing to her belly as she joked about the baby weight."
- "His belly was so large it made it difficult for him to bend over."
- "The children giggled as they poked his belly during the tickling game."
- "After the holidays, I always feel like I have a food baby in my belly."
To move or shake in a way that causes the belly to jolt or wobble.
Examples
- "She belly-laughed at his silly joke."
- "He couldn't stop belly dancing when the music played."
- "The children belly-flopped into the pool with a big splash."
- "The wind caused his belly to shake as he laughed."
- "They belly-surfed down the hill on their bellies."
Cultural Context
The word 'belly' has been used in English for centuries, originating from Old English 'belly,' meaning 'abdomen.' It has informal and affectionate connotations in modern usage. Culturally, the belly is often associated with food, emotions (e.g., 'butterflies in the belly'), and humor. The 'belly laugh' and 'belly dancing' are both iconic examples of how the word is used in social and entertainment contexts.
The Laugh That Shook His Belly
Story
The Laugh That Shook His Belly
Jason had always been a bit self-conscious about his belly. He wasn't overweight, but he had a roundness to it that he couldn't ignore. It was especially noticeable when he laughed too hard. One day, at his best friend's party, Jason found himself surrounded by a group of friends. They were all enjoying the party, and someone told a joke so funny that Jason felt a huge belly laugh coming on. As he tried to hold it in, his belly jiggled uncontrollably, making everyone around him burst into laughter. 'There it goes!' his friend joked, pointing at his belly. Jason, feeling a mix of embarrassment and amusement, tried to keep it together, but it was impossible. His belly seemed to have a life of its own, shaking with each chuckle. 'I guess I need to start a belly dance routine!' he quipped, earning more laughs. Despite the lighthearted teasing, Jason felt a sense of comfort. His belly had always been a source of insecurity, but in that moment, it became a symbol of joy and laughter. He even found himself smiling at the thought of how his belly had become the star of the party. From then on, whenever his belly shook with laughter, he embraced it, proud of the joy it brought.
Related Words
