callipygian

USAGE SUMMARY

"callipygian" is a valid word in written English and is defined as having well-shaped or beautiful buttocks.
You can use this word when discussing the physical attractiveness of a person, or when describing artwork that features a subject with attractive buttocks. Example sentence: The sculpture of a callipygian figure drew the attention of the admirers.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Popular culture embraces all things Latino, from callipygian pop stars to taco-touting chihuahuas.

The Economist

Along with Sewell's voice went an archaic vocabulary – "callipygian" was a favourite word, as was "panjandrum".

Independent

As I browsed I suddenly felt two burning orbs scoping out my anatomy and turned to see America's No. 1 box-office attraction clocking my callipygian.

The New Yorker

"Fancy" is by Iggy Azalea, a white woman from Mullumbimby, Australia, whose self-presentation — Barbie-doll tresses, callipygian glamazon physique, perfectly placed beauty mark — dares us to wonder what about her, if anything, is real.

The New Yorker

Now, regardless of your feeling about her rendition at the Inauguration, I don't think anyone would ever accuse the callipygian Beyoncé of that crime.

The New Yorker

Mr. Koons has said the model refers to the ancient Roman marble statue Callipygian Venus, or "Venus of the beautiful buttocks".

The New York Times - Arts

His most prominent work, however, was on the cover of book jackets, where his signature images were of strikingly fierce, hard-bodied heroes and bosomy, callipygian damsels in distress.

The New York Times - Arts

Whose callipygian charmssomewhat stole the limelightat the British royal wedding?11.

The New York Times

Gwyneth Paltrow is an outspoken fan, and the famously callipygian television personality Kim Kardashian makes frequent requests for free Spanx.

The New Yorker

The physical heart of this show is, as it was in the film, a railroad station café, overseen by the callipygian Myrtle (Annette McLaughlin) and her sparky waitress, Beryl (Dorothy Atkinson).

The New York Times

These days, skinny actresses like Gwyneth and Julia add weight to their filmography by donning fat suits, and women's editors can't get enough of callipygian cuties like Sophie Dahl and Kate Dillon, but Pat Ast remains the original superdupermodel.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context of your writing before using the term "callipygian", as its sophisticated nature may not always be appropriate for informal communication.

Common error

Avoid using "callipygian" in overly casual or modern contexts where a more direct or contemporary term would be more suitable. The word carries a sense of classical appreciation of beauty and can sound out of place if used incorrectly.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "callipygian" functions to describe a specific physical attribute, namely, well-shaped or beautiful buttocks. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is a valid word for describing physical attractiveness. Its use adds a sophisticated or classical tone to the description.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Arts

25%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "callipygian" is a grammatically sound adjective used to describe well-shaped buttocks. While not a common term in everyday speech, it finds its place in formal writing, particularly when discussing art or physical aesthetics, and is valid according to Ludwig. The word is often found in news and media contexts, adding a touch of classical or literary flair. When using "callipygian", be mindful of the audience and context, as more modern or direct terms may be more appropriate in informal settings. Ludwig provides examples from reputable sources, illustrating its use in describing pop stars, art, and figures from literature.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beautifully shaped buttocks

Uses a more descriptive and straightforward approach.

well-formed rear

Provides a polite and slightly clinical alternative.

shapely posterior

Offers a more elegant and less direct description.

attractive derriere

Employs a French-derived term for a sophisticated tone.

pleasing curves

Focuses on the aesthetic appeal of curves in general.

sculpted physique

Highlights the overall aesthetic quality and form.

finely proportioned figure

Describes the overall body shape rather than a specific feature.

voluptuous form

Emphasizes the fullness and attractiveness of the body.

bootylicious

A more modern and informal term, popularized in contemporary culture.

bumtastic

A playful and informal term to describe attractive buttocks.

FAQs

How can I use "callipygian" in a sentence?

You can use "callipygian" to describe someone with beautifully shaped buttocks, as in "The sculpture depicted a "callipygian Venus"" or "She was known for her "callipygian figure"".

What does "callipygian" mean?

"Callipygian" means having well-shaped or beautiful buttocks. It's derived from Greek words meaning "beautiful buttocks".

What is a synonym for "callipygian"?

Synonyms for "callipygian" include "callipygous", "bootylicious", and "bumtastic", although these vary in formality and tone.

Is it appropriate to use the word "callipygian" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "callipygian" is a somewhat rare and literary term. It can be used in formal writing when describing art or historical subjects, but it's essential to consider your audience and the overall tone of your work.