Pronunciation: [lˈaŋkinəs] (IPA) 
Lankiness is spelled with an "a" in the second syllable, despite the "i" sound being pronounced. This is due to the influence of the letter "n" in the previous syllable, which is pronounced with an "a" sound. Therefore, the correct IPA phonetic transcription for lankiness is /ˈlæŋkɪnəs/. The word refers to being ungracefully tall and thin, and is often used to describe a person's body shape.
Lankiness is a noun that refers to the physical quality or state of being thin, lean, or gaunt in appearance. It describes a person or animal who possesses a tall and slender body structure with long limbs and an overall lack of bulk or muscularity.
This term is commonly used to describe individuals who exhibit an excessive or exaggerated level of thinness. Someone who is lanky typically has a narrow frame, elongated limbs, and a generally lean physique. They may appear disproportionate due to their long arms, legs, and torso, often accentuating their skinny nature.
Lankiness can also be used to describe the characteristic of something that is elongated or stretched out, such as a thin and tall plant or a slender object. It suggests a form that lacks fullness, instead displaying a more elongated or stretched appearance.
The term lankiness is often used in a descriptive or informal context to discuss physical appearances, especially when referring to individuals who are skinny or tall and thin. It is a subjective term, as what may be considered lanky in one culture or context may not be perceived that way in another. Overall, lankiness represents a specific body shape characterized by a slender and sometimes awkward physical presence.
The word "lankiness" is derived from the adjective "lanky". "Lanky" is believed to have originated from the Scottish dialect. It first appeared around the 1760s and initially referred to a person or an animal that was tall, lean, and awkwardly thin. The exact origin of "lanky" is uncertain, but it is thought to be related to the Scots word "lank", meaning long or slender. The addition of the suffix "-ness" to "lanky" creates the noun form "lankiness", denoting the state or quality of being lanky.
