Literary notes about chesty (AI summary)
The word "chesty" wears many hats on the page, serving both as a nickname and as a descriptive adjective that flavors character and tone. At times it marks a character’s distinctive presence—as when a character like Chesty Sutton or Chesty Todd is portrayed with a commanding mien that hints at both physical robustness and a bold, sometimes cocky, attitude [1, 2, 3]. In other contexts, it describes a behavior or mood; a "chesty laugh" suggests hearty, unrestrained mirth [4], while the admonition "don’t get chesty" underscores an attitude of unwanted arrogance or presumptuousness [5, 6]. Furthermore, its use in reference to style—invoking, for instance, an effect where one's shoulders are emphasized—adds a visual, almost tangible quality to a character's demeanor [7]. Through these multiple layers, "chesty" enriches narrative voices and character sketches with a blend of physicality and personality.
- Chesty Sutton cast behind him at Buck a glance of miserable apology,
— from Buck Peters, Ranchman
Being the Story of What Happened When Buck Peters, Hopalong Cassidy, and Their Bar-20 Associates Went to Montana by Clarence Edward Mulford - "And, by Jove, it has 'em!" cried Chesty Todd, pointing eagerly to a thin streak leading skyward.
— from The Flying Girl and Her Chum by L. Frank (Lyman Frank) Baum - Chesty Sutton, late puncher for the Circle X, shoved his hand under Buck's nose with unmistakable friendliness.
— from Buck Peters, Ranchman
Being the Story of What Happened When Buck Peters, Hopalong Cassidy, and Their Bar-20 Associates Went to Montana by Clarence Edward Mulford - It'll do 'em a heap of good to try a real chesty laugh occasionally."
— from Number Seventeen by Louis Tracy - Everybody likes you, you're a swift money-maker, and you've got a girl—now don't get chesty—that would make any man go out and chew bulldogs.
— from Five Thousand an Hour: How Johnny Gamble Won the Heiress by George Randolph Chester - "You needn't get so chesty about it," rebuked Ned.
— from The Pony Rider Boys in the Grand Canyon; Or, The Mystery of Bright Angel Gulch by Frank Gee Patchin - Style—Chesty effect, shoulders trifle wider than natural, shawl collar or peaked lapels rolling low and fronts well cut away below bottom button.
— from The Copeland Method
A Complete Manual for Cleaning, Repairing, Altering and Pressing All Kinds of Garments for Men and Women, at Home or for Business by Vanness Copeland