fatness

American  

[fat-nis] / ˈfæt nɪs /

noun

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

2. richness; fertility; abundance.

   the fatness of the land.

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Usage

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.  

Etymology

Origin of fatness

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

Example Sentences

When it comes to the concrete material implications of fatness, women don't just face more pressure to look a certain way.

From Salon • Jan. 9, 2024

Conducted by the University of South Australia's Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity team, the 'Life on Holidays' study assessed changes to children's fitness and fatness during the holidays.

From Science Daily • Dec. 11, 2023

In any case, BMI or any measure of body fatness should not be used alone to address cardiovascular risks.

From Scientific American • Jul. 5, 2023

In our culture, fatness and baldness and mental illness are stigmatized.

From Washington Post • Feb. 23, 2023

The fatness was cute in a chubby, rosy cheeks kind of way.

From "Watch Us Rise" by Renée Watson and Ellen Hagan