fatness

[ fat-nis ]

/ ˈfæt nɪs /

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See synonyms for fatness on Thesaurus.com

noun

the state or condition of being fat; obesity; corpulence.

richness; fertility; abundance: the fatness of the land.

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Origin of fatness

before 1000; Middle English fatnesse,Old English fǣtnes.See fat, -ness

Words nearby fatness

fatly, Fat Man, fat meat, fat mouse, fat necrosis, fatness, fat pad, fat pine, fats, Fatshan, fatshedera

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

ABOUT THIS WORD

What does fatness mean?

Fatness is a word for the state or condition of being or being considered obese or overweight.

The word fat is most often used in a critical, judgmental, or mean way, and the same is often true of fatness. In contrast, the synonym obesity is more often used in a neutral way, such as in a medical context in the discussion of a person’s health (though it too can be used in a judgmental or mean way).

Fatness isn’t always used in a negative way. Some people might refer to others’ or their own fatness in a way that’s not intended to be critical, as in I don’t have to apologize for my fatness.

Example: As a society, we tend to value skinny bodies and shame fatness.

Where does fatness come from?

The first records of the word fatness come from before the year 1000. The base word, fat, comes from the Old English verb fǣtan, meaning “to cram” or “to load.” The suffix -ness indicates a state or condition.

The word fatness can also be used in a figurative way to refer to richness, fertility, or abundance, especially in the phrase the fatness of the land.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to fatness?

fat (adjective, noun)

What are some synonyms for fatness?

obesity

What are some words that share a root or word element with fatness?

fattism

What are some words that often get used in discussing fatness?

How is fatness used in real life?

The word fatness is offensive when it’s used in a mean or judgmental way.

Fat bodies are normal bodies. Fatness is a normal bodily variation. Not everyone can/will be thin.

— fiyinskosko (@fiyinskosko) November 29, 2020

Just a reminder that I don't love being called chubby.

I'm fat.

Chubby, to me, implies I'm some size or shape I'm not, that we're trying to cute up my fatness to make it palatable.

I ' m f a t.

There's nothing wrong with being fat.

— Queen of Nevers 👑✴️👁🚪🌌 (they/them) (@liminalnobilis) November 29, 2020

Book! In my final essay of 2018, I wrote about fatness, genius, and the "Black abundance" of @rgay's HUNGER, @KieseLaymon HEAVY & @tressiemcphd's THICK for @NBCNewsTHINK. https://t.co/YOuMFXf3qE

— Dr. Steven W. Thrasher (@thrasherxy) December 30, 2018

How to use fatness in a sentence

Concludes Bacon, “It’s like the adults are giving the kids permission to view fatness as wrong and something that you need to change.”
Weight shaming is literally sickening|Bethany Brookshire|September 30, 2021|Science News For Students
Key to that argument were three widely cited McKinsey studies, released in 2015, 2018, and 2020, showing a connection between the diversity of a corporate leadership team and the fatness of the company’s profit margin.
What if McKinsey’s diversity research is wrong?|Heather Landy|August 4, 2021|Quartz
She spends most of the column raising alarm bells about quarantine weight gain, high-calorie foods, and fatness in general.
Fat-Shaming People Won’t Improve Their Health|Christine Byrne|May 26, 2021|Outside Online
People tend to condemn the obese because they believe that “fatness” is evidence of laziness and lack of discipline.
‘The Biggest Loser’ Could Be TV’s Most Important Show Ever|Daniela Drake|September 26, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Even when Wadd was writing, fatness had been considered a national problem for close on a century.
Britain’s Weight Crisis Almost Hits U.S. Proportions|Dan Jones|February 21, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Fatness may be a flaw, but it is not a singularly terrible flaw.
Give Chris Christie a Break on His Weight|Michelle Cottle|February 8, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Many people equate fatness with weakness—a lack of discipline, self-control, or character.
Give Chris Christie a Break on His Weight|Michelle Cottle|February 8, 2013|DAILY BEAST
"I think she'll pay your mother back to-morrow," said Hugh, remembering the fatness of the pink bag.
Rosemary in Search of a Father|C. N. Williamson
And it shall come to pass in that day, that the glory of Jacob shall be made thin, and the fatness of his flesh shall grow lean.
The Bible, Douay-Rheims Version|Various
Hearken diligently to me, and eat that which is good, and your soul shall be delighted in fatness.
The Bible, Douay-Rheims Version|Various
All were broad‑framed, although not stout to any degree approaching fatness.
The Fire People|Ray Cummings
Should I leave my fatness, wherewith by me they honor God and man, and go to be promoted over the trees?
The United Seas|Robert W. Rogers