I am a big fan of the word “paunch”. Gentler than gut, less jolly than belly, it captures something otherwise undefinable about the increased roundness of a stomach as it ages. There is something in it that suggests concealment or an attempt to hide away that extra beer or slice of cheesecake - perhaps this is because of how closely it resembles the word pouch. Like a child might stow away a stolen biscuit or packet of sweets, the paunch is smoothed down and pushed to either side so the bump is barely visible. But it remains, its owner is aware - whether or not others are.
Paunch
Paunch
Paunch
I am a big fan of the word “paunch”. Gentler than gut, less jolly than belly, it captures something otherwise undefinable about the increased roundness of a stomach as it ages. There is something in it that suggests concealment or an attempt to hide away that extra beer or slice of cheesecake - perhaps this is because of how closely it resembles the word pouch. Like a child might stow away a stolen biscuit or packet of sweets, the paunch is smoothed down and pushed to either side so the bump is barely visible. But it remains, its owner is aware - whether or not others are.