legs a kimbo

[bananaman31]

where did the saying legs a kimbo come from?

[Quizmonster]

'In kenebow' was Middle English for 'in a sharp bow/bend' and a 'canbow' meant a 'can handle'. These are the background ideas. As far as the human body is concerned, it referred to the position in which one puts one's hands on hips with the elbows out to the sides. So 'arms akimbo' was the original format. 'Legs akimbo' is just a modern, joking version of the idea. Just picture your knees rather than your elbows in that position!

[bananaman31]

interesting, any advance on that anyone?

[Quizmonster]

In the sense of its linguistic source, my earlier response tells you where the word 'akimbo' actually comes from. As far as the 'legs' version is concerned, I personally had never heard of it until it was used in the TV series The League of Gentlemen as the name of a travelling theatre company if I recall accurately. Consequently, I'd be tempted to say that's where it comes from. I'm not sure how many more potential comes from answers there can be.

[bananaman31]

fair enough, cheers for the insight