The word "abs" generally refers to the abdominal muscles, which are a group of muscles located in the front of the abdomen. These muscles are essential for various physical functions, such as stabilizing the core, assisting in movements like bending and twisting, and contributing to overall posture. Additionally, "abs" is often used in fitness contexts to describe exercises that specifically target these muscles, such as sit-ups or crunches.
The term "abs" is a shortened form of "abdominals," which originates from the Latin word "abdomen," meaning "belly" or "stomach." The use of "abs" as slang became popular in the fitness community in the latter half of the 20th century.