[Khanna]

Hey guys. English is not my native language, so sometimes I don't fully understand certain terms in Malazan series. For example in House of Chains I keep coming across an expression: "square-footed." Such as:

"A name to match Korbolo Dom himself, who stands square-footed in his terror."

Can someone tell me what "square-footed" means in this context?

[worry]

To stand "square" or "square footed" is to face something directly with one's feet at shoulder width-apart, ostensibly with courage or determination. In the context of that particular Korbolo Dom passage, it suggests that he's projecting false confidence. It's the body language equivalent of masking your insecurities with machismo. -- At least, in Heboric's opinion.

This post has been edited by worry: 31 January 2022 - 01:49 AM

[Khanna]

worry, on 31 January 2022 - 01:48 AM, said:

To stand "square" or "square footed" is to face something directly with one's feet at shoulder width-apart, ostensibly with courage or determination. In the context of that particular Korbolo Dom passage, it suggests that he's projecting false confidence. It's the body language equivalent of masking your insecurities with machismo. -- At least, in Heboric's opinion.

Thanks!

[nacht]

worry, on 31 January 2022 - 01:48 AM, said:

To stand "square" or "square footed" is to face something directly with one's feet at shoulder width-apart, ostensibly with courage or determination. In the context of that particular Korbolo Dom passage, it suggests that he's projecting false confidence. It's the body language equivalent of masking your insecurities with machismo. -- At least, in Heboric's opinion.

Are you an English Professor or have you just read way too many books :-)