Squaddy

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. A phrase that describes someone having a notably short and sturdy physique often used for individuals appearing broad and heavyset in form
2. Refers to an individual who has a compact and broad physical shape, often appearing solid and muscular
3. Describes someone with a short, thickset frame giving an impression of strength and robustness

Etymology: "Squaddy" is simply "squad" with the suffix "-y" added, and the suffix is the more interesting part of the story. The "-y" ending, inherited from Old English "-ig" and "-ġ", was a common way of turning nouns into adjectives meaning "having the qualities of" or "characterised by" something. So "squaddy" describes a person who has the stocky, compact, squad-like build the word implies. The base word traces back a long way. "Squad" is a Middle English-era borrowing from French "escouade," itself from Italian "squadra," meaning a square or a group formed into a square. Behind that lies Vulgar Latin "exquadrare," from Latin "quadrus," a square, which also gave us the Latin "quattuor," four, through the notion of a four-sided figure. A body of soldiers was thus a group arranged in a square formation, and a "squaddy" carries that image of something compact and solid.