Definition
Akimbo is a stance where a person stands with their hands on their hips and their elbows pointed outward. It is a posture of confidence, defiance, or readiness. The word comes from Old Norse ikembain, meaning “bent in a curve.” In modern gaming, “akimbo” also refers to dual-wielding weapons — holding a gun in each hand. The posture and the weapon stance share the same visual: arms out, elbows bent, ready for action. Akimbo is body language that says, “I’m not backing down.”
Why It Matters
Akimbo is one of the most recognizable human postures. It appears in art, photography, and cartoons as a universal sign of attitude. In gaming, akimbo weapons became popular through the Call of Duty series, where players could dual-wield pistols or submachine guns. The gaming usage revived the word for a generation that had never heard it outside of Western films. Akimbo is also a gendered posture: it’s often associated with “sassy” women in media, but the stance itself is simply human — confident and unyielding.
Example
“She stood akimbo in the doorway, blocking his exit. He had forgotten her birthday. She didn’t need to say anything. The posture said it all. Arms out, elbows sharp, eyes narrow. Akimbo is the original weapon.”
Related Terms
- Dual-Wielding — The gaming mechanic that uses “akimbo”
- Body Language — The field where akimbo is studied as communication
- Call of Duty — The game that popularized akimbo weapons
- Defiance — The attitude akimbo conveys