noun
Common
guns
guhnz
Guns (noun) means Informal: well-developed arm muscles, especially biceps. Example: “He flexed his guns after finishing the workout.”
noun
1
Informal: well-developed arm muscles, especially biceps.
"He flexed his guns after finishing the workout."
"She has been lifting weights, and her guns are getting bigger."
"He rolled up his sleeves to show off his guns."
"And there's still no better way to throw down the fitness gauntlet than to roll up your sleeves and unveil some powerful guns."
— Joe Kita, editor, Men's Health Best: Arms (2005)
How to use guns
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSlang for muscular arms.
When to use it
Casual gym slang, almost always used jokingly or boastfully.
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Rhymes for guns
See all rhymes for guns →Frequently asked questions
What does “guns” mean?
The word “guns” means informal: well-developed arm muscles, especially biceps. In plain terms, slang for muscular arms.
How do you pronounce “guns”?
“Guns” is pronounced guhnz (/ɡʌnz/ in IPA).
How do you use “guns” in a sentence?
Here is “guns” used in a sentence: “He flexed his guns after finishing the workout.”
What part of speech is “guns”?
“Guns” is a noun.
Is “guns” a common word?
“Guns” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What does 'guns' mean as slang?
In informal English, guns are well-developed arm muscles, especially the biceps. Someone with large, defined upper arms is said to have big guns. The joking phrase gun show describes flexing or showing them off, while pipes is a common alternative term for the same impressive muscles.
Why are biceps called guns?
The slang likely comes from the resemblance between a flexed, bulging bicep and the power of a weapon, plus the idea of arms strong enough to do damage. It caught on in bodybuilding and fitness culture as an admiring, playful way to praise someone's muscular upper arms.
Is 'guns' formal or informal?
It is strictly informal slang, at home in casual, often boastful or joking settings like the gym, sports, and fitness culture. You would not use it in formal or medical writing, where biceps or arm muscles is correct. The tone is usually admiring or lightly humorous.
What is an example of 'guns' used this way?
Saying "Look at the guns on him" means someone has notably big, muscular arms. Other everyday uses include "He's been hitting the gym to build his guns" and the phrase gun show, used when a person flexes to display their biceps for admiration or a laugh.
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