pear-shaped
UK[ˈpeə ʃeɪpt]US[ˈper ʃeɪpt]
adj
having a shape resembling that of a pear, typically wider at the bottom than at the top.
adj
(of a voice or musical note) having a full, rounded, and slightly wavering quality, especially considered characteristic of a well-trained singer.
adj
(informal, chiefly british) used to indicate that a situation or process has gone wrong or failed.
Morpheme Breakdown
pear
shape
ed
pear
shape
ed
Etymology
the compound adjective 'pear-shaped' is a straightforward english formation from the old english words for the fruit 'pere' (pear) and 'gesceap' (form, creation). the suffix '-ed', also from old english, is added to nouns to create adjectives meaning 'having the form of'. the term's literal sense, describing an object's contour, dates to the late 16th century. its informal british meaning, describing a failed situation, is 20th-century royal air force slang, humorously suggesting that a planned maneuver that went wrong resulted in a shape as un-aerodynamic as a pear, rather than the intended perfect circle.
Analysis
Structure: pear + shape + ed
- pear (old english): the fruit, used here as a noun attributively to denote resemblance.
- shape (old english): form or contour, a noun used in compound formation.
- ed (old english): a suffix forming adjectives with the sense 'having the characteristics of; in the form of'.
Examples
the classic vase had a pear-shaped body on a narrow foot.
the soprano produced a beautifully pear-shaped tone that filled the concert hall.
the project started well, but it all went pear-shaped after the key investor pulled out.