michelines
/mit͡ʃelines/from spelling rules
The English phrase "stomach rolls" can be translated into Spanish as michelines.
The term describes folds of fat around the waist or stomach area. In an informal context, you might also hear the word lonjas to refer to "love handles," which describes fatty areas on the sides of the waist.
What does it mean word for word?
The word michelines is a metaphor referring to the Michelin Man, the mascot for the Michelin tire company, whose white, puffy body resembles rolls of fat.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
michelines is an informal term that can be perceived as blunt or slightly mocking depending on the context. For a formal or scientific context, such as in medical conversations, use Pliegues abdominales. Conversely, lonjas is an informal way to specifically describe "love handles."
How do you pronounce it?
/mitʃelines/
Did you know?
- The word lonjas is used for stomach rolls because it is the same word used for 'slabs' of pork or bacon in a butcher shop.
- In Spanish fitness and gym culture, the phrase tener michelines is frequently used as a humorous way to talk about stubborn fat that resists exercise.
- The term michelines is a proprietary eponym, meaning a corporate brand name has evolved into a general slang word for a physical trait.
Examples in context
- Tiene unas michelines que no puede con ellas.She has stomach rolls that she can't deal with.
- Mis michelines han aumentado este verano.My stomach rolls have increased this summer.
- Odio cuando me salen las michelines.I hate it when I get stomach rolls.
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are talking about their fitness goals.
- DanielQuiero perder las michelines del abdomen.I want to lose my stomach rolls.
- ElenaYo también, Daniel, es muy difícil.Me too, Daniel, it is very difficult.
- Daniel¿Crees que el gimnasio ayude?Do you think the gym will help?
- ElenaSeguro que sí, vamos a intentarlo.Surely, let's try it.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
