imaginary lat syndrome

Definitions

A tendency for one to adopt a posture as if one had larger latissimus dorsi muscles than one actually has, especially a posture where the arms are held away from the torso.

derogatory, humorous, uncountable

Examples

“Neophytes, for example, risk⟳ being ridiculed by other gym members if they walk⟳ this way: ‘Aghh, look⟳ at him! He’s got ILS [Imaginary Lat Syndrome]’.”

“[Brendan] Ranford does not have⟳ washboard abs, like⟳ many of his prospect camp counterparts, and he does not walk⟳ around with Imaginary Lat Syndrome — or a deliberate, imposing gait to impress⟳ or attract⟳.”

“Not everyone who does regular resistance training has to end⟳ up with tight muscles, inflexible joints, and a bad case of imaginary lat syndrome.”

“ILS, or Imaginary Lat Syndrome, became popular in the late 1980s when pro wrestling peaked and every guy wanted to be like⟳ Hulk Hogan.”

“His [Kenneth’s] arms talk⟳: elbows cocked out, hands into fists, when illustrating the tough, dominant image he has worn for much of his time in white gay enclaves — jokily referring to “imaginary lat syndrome.””

CEFR level