Meaning of imaginary lat syndrome | Babel Free

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