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  What it means

  Literally “a swan’s neck.” Used as a compliment to describe a long, graceful, elegant neck — the kind idealized in classical portraiture and ballet. Beyond the human body, it also describes S-curved architectural elements, pipes, and mechanical parts that bend elegantly back on themselves like a swan’s neck. The phrase carries connotations of beauty and refinement.

  Vocabulary

  • łabędź — swan
  • łabędzia — swan's, swan-like (feminine adjective form)
  • szyja — neck

  Grammar note

  The adjective 'łabędzia' is the feminine form of the possessive/relational adjective derived from 'łabędź' (swan). Polish frequently forms such adjectives from animal nouns: 'psi' (dog's/canine), 'koński' (horse's/equine), 'łabędzi/łabędzia/łabędzie' (swan's). It agrees with 'szyja' (feminine noun) in gender and case.

  Cultural context

  A traditional poetic compliment with roots in classical Polish literature and Renaissance beauty ideals. It is still used today as a genuine compliment, though it can also be used playfully. In engineering and plumbing, 'łabędzia szyja' specifically refers to an S-bend or gooseneck fitting.

  Beginner

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