callipygian

American  

[kal-uh-pij-ee-uhn] / ˌkæl əˈpɪdʒ i ən /

Also callipygous

adjective

1. having well-shaped buttocks.

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callipygian British  

/ ˌkælɪˈpaɪɡəs, ˌkælɪˈpɪdʒɪən /

adjective

1. having beautifully shaped buttocks

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Etymology

Origin of callipygian

1640–50; < Greek kallipýg ( os ) with beautiful buttocks; referring to a statue of Aphrodite ( kalli- calli- + pyg ( ḗ ) rump + -os adj. suffix) + -ian

Explanation

Do you want a callipygian figure? Try adding squats and lunges to your exercise routine. Believe it or not, callipygian means "having a shapely rear end." Callipygian comes from the combination of the two ancient Greek words for "beauty" and "buttocks" and was famously used to name a statue of the Greek Goddess of Love, the so-called Aphrodite Kallipygos, who raises her robe to reveal her backside. If you're interested in learning more about Greco-Roman beauty standards, you can view a Roman copy of the statue at the National Archaeological Museum in Naples.

Example Sentences

Perhaps random snapshots of callipygian Corgis do not a business model make; news as we know it is safe.

From New York Times • Apr. 17, 2016