aesthetically challenged
Distinctly unattractive or unpleasant to the eye; ugly. (Pseudo-politically correct slang used for humorous effect.) Deborah's new boyfriend is a bit aesthetically challenged, but she loves him and I guess that's all that counts. A: "Her dress was, ah, a bit aesthetically challenged." B: "That's putting it nicely—the pattern and colors were hideous!" Phil's somewhat aesthetically challenged, but he's a really sweet and intelligent guy.
challenge (someone) to (something)
To dare or provoke one to participate in something, such as a competition. I ushered Bob out the door as soon as that obnoxious guy challenged him to a fight. Jenna is really good at basketball, so don't challenge her to a game unless you're OK with losing! I challenged Todd to a race, knowing full well I could beat him.
challenge the status quo
To behave or do something in a way contrary to that which is generally accepted or expected. I love this filmmaker, his movies really challenge the status quo! It can be risky, but challenging the status quo can be a great way to get ahead in business. That animated movie has a great message—challenge the status quo and stand up for what's right.
ethically challenged
Dishonest, corrupt, or otherwise unethical in behavior. Though many suspected the governor of being ethically challenged, it wasn't until evidence of a bribery scheme emerged that any legal action was taken against him. A: "I told Jeff that Mary had a boyfriend because I wanted to ask her out first." B: "Well, that was a bit ethically challenged, huh?" With a number of ethically challenged cops on their payroll, the mafia organization has been eluding prosecution for years.
gravitationally challenged
1. Fat, bulky, or very heavy. (Pseudo-politically correct slang used for humorous effect.) I don't think Mike is obese—he's just a bit gravitationally challenged. Everyone becomes somewhat gravitationally challenged when they start college, don't they? The so-called "freshman fifteen" and all that?
2. Prone to or characterized by clumsiness or a lack of balance. I've been bumping into people at work all day long—I must be a bit gravitationally challenged today or something. A: "You seem a bit gravitationally challenged today, Dad. Are you feeling OK?" B: "I am kind of dizzy, now that you mention it." I'm not usually gravitationally challenged, but I fell down some steps last week—hence the gnarly bruises on my legs.
horizontally challenged
Fat or obese. (Pseudo-politically correct slang used for humorous effect.) I became a little horizontally challenged after my accident, since I had to be in a wheelchair for nearly a year. Rachel used to be horizontally challenged, but now she's slimmed down considerably—I almost didn't recognize her. A: "I don't think that silhouette is the most flattering one for a, um, horizontally challenged gal like yourself." B: "Gee, thanks Mom."
hygienically challenged
Not clean; dirty. (Pseudo-politically correct slang used for humorous effect.) Don't get too close to that fellow over there, he's a bit, uh, hygienically challenged. A: "You smell! What, are you hygienically challenged?" B: "No, I've just been doing yardwork all day—geez!" I don't like spending time around little kids because they're so hygienically challenged.
parentally challenged
Born to unwed parents. (Pseudo-politically correct slang used for humorous effect.) A: "Is it true that Sean is parentally challenged?" B: "No, I'm pretty sure his parents were married before he was born."
vertically challenged
Short; not tall in stature. (Pseudo-politically correct slang used for humorous effect.) Whenever anyone teases me about my height, I just tell them that I'm vertically challenged! Yeah, my boyfriend is a little vertically challenged, but he's the most loving man I've ever known.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.