rhizoverbBeta
DictionarystrappingStrong and well-built
adjective

strapping

STRAP-ing/ˈstræpɪŋ/

Tall, strong, and healthy-looking.

The strapping farmworker easily carries two full hay bales.

Tall strong healthy-looking adult farmworker easily carries two full hay bales, natural realistic proportions.
Etymology
strappEnglishto beat with a strap
+ingEnglishforming a present participle

Strapping apparently comes from strap in its “beat with a strap” sense. Like thumping and whopping, it follows a pattern in which forceful-action words express impressive size and vigor.

In context

British Radio Giggles80:31
a team of strapping Northern lads
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More examples

  • Two strapping movers carry the couch up the stairs.
  • She is a strapping athlete with broad shoulders.
  • The once-sickly boy has grown into a strapping young man.

Forms

strapping

Similar words

brawny
Emphasizes muscular strength rather than height or healthy appearance.
robust
Emphasizes health and vigor without necessarily suggesting a large build.
burly
Emphasizes a large, broad build rather than height or health.