Is describing someone as 'fat' derogatory?

[Lysander]

I've just been having a discussion with a work colleague. She met someone recently and said this person "could lose a couple of stone", to which I said, "you mean she's fat?". Apparently that's not a nice thing to say to someone.. since the reply I got was "I don't like the word 'fat'".

Why not? It's just a statement of fact. To say someone is fat, thin, black, white, whatever.. is not offensive, it's just descriptive. Though maybe these days we shouldn't say obvious things like that because we're accentuating divisions. Personally I think it's a load of rubbish.

 

[V4NT0M]

Yea usually is, i usually use the word BIG though... For some reason it's less offensive.

 

[TheDean]

Yea usually is, i usually use the word BIG though... For some reason it's less offensive.

I prefer 'Toad' personally

 

[Margaret]

I find maHOOSIVE works well enough.

 

[Lydzor]

To the OP - I agree, the problem is if you are different to the person you are saying it to then it's insulting.

 

[Stellios]

I like the term "Thick in the leg"

No really, your either fat, or your not, no point trying to work around by making it sound less offensive.

 

[ojste]

would you call someone fat in front of their face? (not including your mates since thats obviously different)

thats your answer, though its not that big a deal really.

 

[Jonny69]

It is when I say it.

Take note, fatties

 

[Ghosteh]

I said that to some girl once, who said "you're very thin aren't you" to which I replied, "Well, you're fat". She didn't take to kindly to that, saying how it wasn't her fault. It's not my fault I'm thin either lol. I don't like being skinny, but I can't put on any body mass. Better than being a fatty though lol.

 

[Lamo]

i'll call you fat to your face, don't bother me in the slightest, however if i think you would not appreciate it i'd say "your not scared of a fish supper or two are you?"

 

[fonzee]

I prefer 'Toad' personally

actually burst out laughing at that.

have a star.

it was the timing i reckon

 

[jackthezipper]

It's more so because 'fat' is usually associated with derogatory comments. Such as 'fat ****er' etc.

 

[Frapple]

I prefer morbidly obese.

or 'he like his food'

 

[TheDean]

actually burst out laughing at that.

have a star.

it was the timing i reckon

 

[semi-pro waster]

i'll call you fat to your face, don't bother me in the slightest, however if i think you would not appreciate it i'd say "your not scared of a fish supper or two are you?"

"Never met a meal you didn't like, eh?".

I said that to some girl once, who said "you're very thin aren't you" to which I replied, "Well, you're fat". She didn't take to kindly to that, saying how it wasn't her fault. It's not my fault I'm thin either lol. I don't like being skinny, but I can't put on any body mass. Better than being a fatty though lol.

I get similar occasionally about being tall, I find the response of "No, I'm not tall, you're just short" usually gets them to think about what they are saying. It isn't as if I hadn't noticed that I'm taller than most people before, first rate observation from them.

Lysander, it is descriptive but it can also be insulting, as with many things it depends on how you say it.

 

[branddaly]

I have no problems with calling someone fat to their face. Its descriptive and if they don't like it they should never have done it to themselves in the first place.

I don't have many friends......

 

[Azza]

Truth hurts, tell them to deal with it aswell.

 

[OpenToSuggestions]

Play the start of the 'I like big butts' song. That would get your message across

 

[Deiwos]

A good phrase my family always use is 'a fully fledged member of the clean plate club'.

I agree that fat shouldn't be insulting, but fat people usually take offense to it.

 

[jumpy]

I prefer 'Toad' personally

lmao!

I like 'boiler', or 'rotund' if I'm feeling diplomatic.