Pear-shaped

Pear-shaped is a term used to describe an object, body type, or situation that resembles the shape of a pear. This shape is characterized by a wider bottom and a narrower top. The term is commonly used in various contexts, including anatomy, fashion, and colloquial language.

Anatomy[edit | edit source]

In human anatomy, a pear-shaped body type, also known as a gynoid body type, is one where the hips and thighs are significantly wider than the shoulders and bust. This body type is more common in women and is often contrasted with the android body type, where fat is distributed more around the abdomen.

Health Implications[edit | edit source]

Individuals with a pear-shaped body type may have different health risks compared to those with other body types. For example, they may be less prone to cardiovascular disease but more susceptible to conditions like osteoarthritis due to the additional weight carried in the lower body.

Fashion[edit | edit source]

In the context of fashion, the pear-shaped body type is often considered when designing and choosing clothing. Fashion advice for pear-shaped individuals typically includes wearing clothes that balance the proportions, such as A-line skirts, wide-legged pants, and tops with embellishments to draw attention to the upper body.

Colloquial Usage[edit | edit source]

The term "pear-shaped" is also used colloquially to describe situations that have gone wrong or failed. This usage is believed to have originated from Royal Air Force slang, where it was used to describe a flight maneuver that did not go as planned.