belly etymology

Etymology:

The word "belly" comes from the Old English word "belig," which itself has multiple possible origins:

• Some linguists believe it derives from Proto-Germanic "*balgiz," meaning "bag."
• Others propose that it comes from Celtic "*belgos," meaning "swelling."
• A third theory is that it originated from the Old Latin word "*bulga," meaning "leather bag."

Meaning:

The primary meaning of "belly" is the abdomen or stomach cavity of a human or animal. It refers to the area that contains the organs of digestion, such as the stomach, intestines, and liver.

Origin:

The word "belly" has been used in English since at least the 10th century, as attested in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. Its earliest known uses referred to the physical abdomen, but it has since acquired various figurative and metaphorical meanings.

Figurative and Metaphorical Meanings:

In addition to its literal sense, "belly" has the following figurative and metaphorical meanings:

• Pregnancy: The swollen abdomen of a pregnant woman.
• Hunger: A strong desire for food.
• Vulnerability: The soft, exposed region below the chest that can be easily injured.
• Gluttony: Excessive eating or indulgence in food.
• Fertility: The ability to produce offspring.
• Core: The central or innermost part of something.
• Center of attention: The focal point of interest or activity.

belly relate terms

• abdomen

  Etymology Latin abdomen from Medieval Latin abdomen Greek ἀβδόμην abdomen

• bellows

  Etymology Old English bellowan from Proto Germanic balwanoz Proto Indo European bʰe

• belly

  Etymology The word belly comes from the Old English word belig which itself has mul

• gastric

  Etymology Greek gastēr stomach Latin gastricus pertaining to the stomach M

• midriff

  Etymology Middle English mydref 13th century Old English middref 11th century Pro

• stomach

  Etymology Indo European Root s teg meaning to cover Proto Germanic stogmaz

• ventriloquy

  Etymology The word ventriloquy is derived from the Latin words venter belly and lo

• bulk

  Etymology The word bulk has multiple etymological origins Old English bulc mean

• ballast

  Etymology Middle English balist from Late Latin ballista from Ancient Greek βαλ

• swell

  Etymology The word swell has multiple etymological origins Old English swellan t

• Indies

  Etymology The word indie is derived from the term independent which stems from the La

• inside

  Etymology Etymology is the study of the origin history and development of words It inv