hunchback

Everyday

1. A back with a big hump or curve, from a medical condition (kyphosis). tree →
2. (old-fashioned, often hurtful) A person with such a back; today it is kinder to say a person with a curved spine. tree →
3. The Hunchback of Notre-Dame is a famous novel by Victor Hugo about Quasimodo. tree →

In the lessons

In classic stories and films; in health lessons about the spine and good posture. Phrases: The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, hunchback whale (a mistake: it is humpback).

Examples

• Quasimodo, the hunchback of Notre-Dame, rang the cathedral bells. tree →
• Sitting badly for years can give you a slightly hunched back. tree →
• In old stories, a hunchback was often wrongly shown as wicked. tree →
• The doctor checked his spine for a hunchback. tree →
• Don't call people names about their bodies. tree →
• The novel The Hunchback of Notre-Dame was written by Victor Hugo. tree →
• The hunchback having agreed to his proposal, the tailor closed his shop and they set off together. tree →

Note

Calling a person a hunchback is now seen as rude; describe the condition kindly. Do not confuse with humpback (humpback whale). Adjective: hunchbacked; hunched means bent forward.