Dictionary

MAMIL en · NOUN

Etymology

Coined in a 2010 UK marketing report.

Meanings

1. (abbreviation, acronym, alt-of, derogatory) Acronym of middle-aged man in Lycra, a previously non-athletic man, between 35 and 50, who has taken up cycling seriously for health and/or social reasons.
   alt of middle-aged man in Lycra
   • ‘We have just been overtaken by a M.A.M.I.L.’ Karen pointed to the cyclist that was now far in the distance. ‘What is a MAMIL?’ ‘It's a Middle Aged Man In Lycra. That is what happens to lots of middle aged men, they decide to take up cycling and wear lycra, which is not the most fetching look on a middle aged man.’ 2017, Kathleen Kirkland, Mum Runners, Xlibris Corporation, →ISBN:
   • Cycling has created the phenomenon of the MAMIL—Middle-Aged Men In Lycra—because it's enjoyable, it's accessible and it's easy to take up. All you need to know is how to ride a bike. 2019, John Bishop, How to Grow Old: A middle-aged man moaning, Random House, →ISBN:
2. (abbreviation, acronym, alt-of, derogatory) Acronym of middle-aged matron in Lycra, a female equivalent.
   alt of middle-aged matron in Lycra

Forms