Telly vs. Belly: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 5, 2023
"Telly" is a colloquial term for television, while "Belly" refers to the front part of the human torso.
Key Differences
"Telly" and "Belly" are two distinct words, each having its unique meaning and application. "Telly" is a colloquial term, predominantly used in British English, to denote a television set. When someone in the UK says they're watching the telly, they're referring to their TV.
Conversely, "Belly" refers to the front part of the human body between the chest and the pelvis. It's the area where our stomach resides, and it's often associated with feelings of hunger or fullness. A person might complain of a sore belly or express that their belly is full after a meal.
The phonetic similarity between "Telly" and "Belly" might cause some amusement, especially when thinking of rhyming phrases or playful expressions. For instance, one might joke, "I watched the telly with a full belly," highlighting the rhyme between the words.
In terms of etymology, "Telly" is a diminutive form of "television," a word combining the Greek "tele-" (meaning "far") with the Latin "visio" (meaning "sight"). "Belly," on the other hand, has its roots in Old English "belg" or "bælg," which means "bag" or "purse."
While "Telly" is culturally more prevalent in British settings, "Belly" is universally recognized across English-speaking regions, carrying the same meaning of the stomach or abdomen area.
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Comparison Chart
Basic Definition
A colloquial term for television.
The front part of the human torso.
Usage
Predominantly British English.
Universal across English-speaking regions.
Associated Activities
Watching shows, broadcasts.
Eating, digestion.
Etymology
Diminutive of "television."
From Old English "belg" or "bælg" meaning "bag" or "purse."
Part of Speech
Noun.
Noun.
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Telly and Belly Definitions
Telly
A colloquial term for televised events.
The match will be on the telly tonight.
Belly
The front part of the human torso.
He laughed so hard his belly shook.
Telly
The act of watching television.
I spent the evening in front of the telly.
Belly
The underside of an object or animal.
The plane landed on its belly after a gear malfunction.
Telly
A medium for broadcasting programs.
The news on the telly can be overwhelming.
Belly
The interior space of something.
The belly of the ship held the cargo.
Telly
British slang for TV.
Turn on the telly, it's time for our favorite show.
Belly
See abdomen.
Telly
A television set.
Belly
The underside of the body of certain vertebrate animals, such as a snake.
Telly
(colloquial) Television.
Not much on telly tonight, as usual!
Belly
A cut of meat from the underside of an animal, especially a pig.
Telly
(colloquial) A television set.
We've got a new flat-screen telly'.
Belly
The stomach.
Telly
A hotel or motel.
I'm staying at the telly this weekend.
Belly
An appetite for food.
Telly
A receiver that displays television images;
The British call a tv set a telly
Belly
The womb; the uterus.
Belly
A part that bulges or protrudes
The belly of a sail.
Belly
(Anatomy) The bulging, central part of a muscle.
Belly
A deep or central interior space
The engine in the belly of a ship.
Fish down in the belly of a river.
Belly
To bulge or cause to bulge.
Belly
The abdomen, especially a fat one.
You've grown a belly over Christmas! Time to join the gym again.
Belly
The stomach.
My belly was full of wine.
Belly
The womb.
Belly
The lower fuselage of an airplane.
Belly
The part of anything which resembles (either closely or abstractly) the human belly in protuberance or in concavity; often, the fundus#Noun (innermost part).
The belly of a flask, muscle, violin, sail, or ship
Belly
The main curved portion of a knife blade#Noun.
Belly
(architecture) The hollow part of a curved or bent timber#Noun, the convex part of which is the back.
Belly
To position one’s belly; to move on one’s belly.
Belly
(intransitive) To swell and become protuberant; to bulge or billow.
Belly
(transitive) To cause to swell out; to fill.
Belly
That part of the human body which extends downward from the breast to the thighs, and contains the bowels, or intestines; the abdomen.
Belly
The under part of the body of animals, corresponding to the human belly.
Underneath the belly of their steeds.
Belly
The womb.
Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee.
Belly
The part of anything which resembles the human belly in protuberance or in cavity; the innermost part; as, the belly of a flask, muscle, sail, ship.
Out of the belly of hell cried I.
Belly
The hollow part of a curved or bent timber, the convex part of which is the back.
Belly
To cause to swell out; to fill.
Your breath of full consent bellied his sails.
Belly
To swell and become protuberant, like the belly; to bulge.
The bellying canvas strutted with the gale.
Belly
The region of the body of a vertebrate between the thorax and the pelvis
Belly
A protruding abdomen
Belly
A part that bulges deeply;
The belly of a sail
Belly
The hollow inside of something;
In the belly of the ship
Belly
The underpart of the body of certain vertebrates such as snakes or fish
Belly
Swell out or bulge out
Belly
The stomach, especially when large.
He rubbed his belly in satisfaction after the meal.
Belly
To swell or puff out.
The sails belly out with the wind.
FAQs
Are "Telly" and "Television" interchangeable?
While both refer to the same device, "Telly" is informal and predominantly British.
Is "Telly" commonly used in American English?
"Telly" is more typical in British English; Americans usually say "TV."
What does "Telly" refer to?
"Telly" is a colloquial term for a television set, especially in British English.
Can "Belly" describe the shape or condition of the stomach?
Yes, like a "round belly" or a "flat belly."
What's the origin of "Telly"?
It's a diminutive form of the word "television."
Can "Telly" be an abbreviation for anything else?
Primarily, "Telly" is an abbreviation for "television."
Is "Belly" used to indicate hunger?
Yes, one might say their "belly is rumbling" to indicate hunger.
Can "Belly" refer to a part of an animal?
Yes, "Belly" can denote the underside or stomach area of an animal.
How is "Belly" used in the context of objects?
It can describe the inner or underside part, like the "belly of a plane."
Are there idioms involving the word "Belly"?
Yes, like "fire in the belly" meaning strong determination.
Does "Telly" have synonyms?
Yes, such as "TV," "television," or "tube."
Do "Telly" and "Belly" rhyme?
Yes, they're phonetically similar and can be used in rhyming phrases.
Is "Belly" used in any specific cultures or rituals?
"Belly" can refer to belly dancing, a form of expressive dance.
Is "Belly" related to any specific activities?
Yes, often related to eating, like "belly up to the bar."
Can "Telly" refer to content and not just the device?
Yes, like "what's on the telly?" referring to the programs being broadcast.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
