Difference Between Fat and Thick

Main Difference – Fat vs Thick

Thick and Fat are two adjectives we often use when we are talking about the size of a person. These two words are often used to describe overweight individuals. However, we cannot use these two adjectives as synonyms since these two words have different connotations. The main difference between these two adjectives is, thick is associated with positive connotations while fat is associated with negative connotations. In this article, we are going to talk about this difference between Thick and Fat.

Fat – Meaning and Usage

Fat means having a large amount of excess, loose flesh. Fat is often used with other terms like obese and overweight. We say someone is fat if that person has a wide waist, huge stomach, flab over thighs, arms, etc. Many people get hurt or offended when someone says they are fat. This indicates that there are negative connotations like unattractiveness and unpleasantness associated with this word. Fat people also face a higher risk of health conditions like coronary Heart Disease, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome, etc. Though many people assume that people become fat because they eat too much or exercise too little, factors like some health conditions, certain drugs, hormones, family background, etc. can also make people fat.Difference between thick and fat

Thick – Meaning and Usage

Unlike the word, “fat”, “thick” is not associated with negative connotations. In fact, if you say call a woman thick; the chances are that she will take it as a compliment. People often associate the word “thick” with attractiveness or voluptuousness. So what exactly is the meaning of thick? When we are using “thick” to describe the physical appearance of a person, it refers to an above the average size. Thick is especially used to describe a woman’s figure and size. A woman with a thick body might have excessive flesh, but it is not loose. Thick women tend to have bigger breasts, bottom and a slim waist. So they are considered as attractive.

However always keep in mind that the word “thick” to describe a person’s size is relatively new and is mostly used in spoken language. Many dictionaries do not indicate this meaning, and, therefore, this can be described as an informal usage. In addition we also use “thick” to say that a person is stupid.(informal usage)thick vs fat

Difference Between Fat and Thick

Characteristics 

Fat: Fat is characterized by huge stomach, loose skin on arms and legs.

Thick: Thick is characterized by bigger breasts, bottom, and a slimmer waistline.

Connotations

Fat: This word is associated with negative connotations.

Thick: This word is associated with positive connotations and is used synonymously with voluptuous.

Effects

Fat: This is considered as an insult.

Thick: This is considered as a compliment.

View

Fat: Fat people are considered as ugly and unattractive and face a higher risk of contracting diseases.

Thick: Thick people are considered as attractive

 

Image Courtesy:

“Daniel Lambert” by Unknown – Wellcome Library, London, Iconographic Collection 574786i. (Public Domain) via Commons

“Rubens Venus at a Mirror c1615” by Peter Paul Rubens – Liechtenstein Museum, Wenen, particuliere collectie Vorst van Liechtenstein, Vaduz.(Public Domain) via Commons

About the Author: de Silva

N. de Silva is a graduate, specializing in Sociology. She also works as a part time language educator. With an immense love for language, literature, and psychology she aspires to be a writer who can blend in subject material with linguistic mastery