Burly
/ˈbɜːrli/noun
Having a large, strong, and heavy body; stoutly built.
Did you know?The word ultimately comes from a Germanic root linked to “boar,” so its old energy is less “gentle giant” and more untamed animal power.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bʰer-
“to bristle, project, or be pointed”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*burz- / *buz-
“boar, wild pig”
Old English
OE
borlic / burlic
“boar-like; strong, stout, or rough”
Middle English
ME
burly
“boar-like; bulky, powerful, or rough”
Modern English
English
burly
“big, strong, and heavily built”