| 释义 |
Tarzan|ˈtɑːzən|
The name of a character in a series of novels by the American author Edgar Rice Burroughs (1875–1950), and in subsequent films and television series, who is orphaned in West Africa in his infancy and reared in the jungle by a mother-ape, used transf. to designate a person distinguished by physical strength or agility.
[1914E. R. Burroughs (title) Tarzan of the apes.] 1921Glasgow Herald 25 Oct. 5/5 At fruit picking time there is a regular colony of Tarzans disporting themselves in the branches. 1938M. Allingham Fashion in Shrouds vi. 78 Ramillies was ruddy pleased... Saw 'imself a Tarzan. 1946Koestler Thieves in Night 150 Their bodies [are] those of a horde of Hebrew Tarzans roaming in the hills of Galilee. 1960John o' London's 14 Apr. 436 The tough ‘Tarzan's’ relationship with his landlady..is tenderly portrayed. 1974H. MacInnes Climb to Lost World vi. 85 It wasn't a normal four hour walk—more like an obstacle course for budding Tarzans. 1981R. Barnard Mother's Boys i. 15 Gordon began his morning liturgy of exercises... ‘Bloody Tarzan,’ said Brian.
b. Allusively in attrib. use.
1932R. Knox Broadcast Minds vii. 161 Though the Tarzan-stuff may make snappy reading. 1941A. Cotterell What! No Morning Tea? 103 Not hothouse gymnasium overdevelopment, but sheer Tarzan physical wellbeing. 1961M. Jones Potbank xxvi. 114 A remarkably handsome young man with a Tarzan physique. 1974V. Canning Painted Tent ix. 189 Nearly killed myself on the tower ladder today. Saved by a Tarzan act.
Hence ˌTarzaˈnesque [-esque], ˈTarzan-like adjs.
1933Punch 27 Dec. 712/1 Taken in conjunction with my Tarzanesque agility, They constitute a clue to my athletic versatility. 1943Copper Camp (Writers' Program, Montana) 214 Butt Block gazed pridefull at his partner, smiled and then with brawny fists pounded, Tarzan-like, upon his hairy chest. 1973C. Bonington Next Horizon xi. 158 He loved being the centre of attraction, dropped easily into Tarzanesque poses, and enjoyed showing off the odd feat of strength. 1980T. Holme Neapolitan Streak 160 He had to perform a Tarzan-like operation, lowering himself..and then swinging down. |