NationStates Jolt Archive

A friend told me something odd the other day. He said he'd been on an online forum that was part of a dating site. In one of the threads there, someone mentioned something about liking chubby women, which obviously some of the women there took as being offensive. Not his preference, simply the word "chubby".
This guy then asked what word he should use instead, and was told that "bubbly" would be ok....

Now, neither my friend nor myself are native speakers of English, so maybe we missed the fine nuances here. But personally, I would prefer being called chubby to being called bubbly. Bubbly makes me think of the Michelin mascot.

Can anybody explain to me if it really is offensive to call someone chubby? And why it would be less offensive to use the word "bubbly" instead?

A friend told me something odd the other day. He said he'd been on an online forum that was part of a dating site. In one of the threads there, someone mentioned something about liking chubby women, which obviously some of the women there took as being offensive. Not his preference, simply the word "chubby".
This guy then asked what word he should use instead, and was told that "bubbly" would be ok....

Now, neither my friend nor myself are native speakers of English, so maybe we missed the fine nuances here. But personally, I would prefer being called chubby to being called bubbly. Bubbly makes me think of the Michelin mascot.

Can anybody explain to me if it really is offensive to call someone chubby? And why it would be less offensive to use the word "bubbly" instead?

Bubbly doesn't even have the same meaning, as far as I am aware... :confused:

I don't like the word "chubby" though, it makes me think of Porky Pig for some reason :p

Bubbly doesn't even have the same meaning, as far as I am aware... :confused:

I don't like the word "chubby" though, I makes me think of Porky Pig for some reason :p

What word would you choose, then?

What word would you choose, then?

"Lovehandle endowed" ?

Built?

solid?

What word would you choose, then?

"Extra curvy"? :D

Plump?
Voluptuous?
Pillowy?

Bubbly refers to a lively or cheery personality, not being overweight. It doesn't matter what they prefer to be called. If 'bubbly' catches on then people will start using it as an insult then they'll want to be called something else, and so on, looping indefinitely. People should learn to develop a thicker skin.:rolleyes:

I don't know why you'd use "bubbly" (it usually means happy, cheerful, outgoing, giggly kind of thing?) instead of "chubby". New one on me.

However, a good word to use would be "zaftig". Sadly, despite it being a compliment, there's about a 50% chance that if she finds out what it means she'll beat you to death with a pickaxe handle.

"Extra curvy"? :D
Curvacious ;)

I know lots of girls hate the word chubby. Then again, lots of girls I know are teenagers with low self-esteem.

Hmm, another word for chubby? I'm not sure. Weight refrences are a hard one.

Curvacious ;)

Ah, that's the word I was looking for :p

That works for women, but not quite so well for men

Is chubby overweight? I thought it applied to people who were healthy but not slim or skinny.

Is chubby overweight? I thought it applied to people who were healthy but not slim or skinny.

Hmm, I don't think so... My image of chubby is slightly heavier than that...

Ah, that's the word I was looking for :p

*lol
I like that... but you can only really apply that to women. Imagine calling a chubby guy curvacious.... :eek:

Hmm, I don't think so... My image of chubby is slightly heavier than that...

I thought chubby was a sort of cute and nice word for overweight.... less critical and less clinical.

Plump?
Voluptuous?
Pillowy?

Pillowy is great :D

What word would you choose, then?

Just tell him to say that he dislikes boney or skinny women. Still, it depends on what he meant by 'chubby'.

*lol
I like that... but you can only really apply that to women. Imagine calling a chubby guy curvacious.... :eek:

Lol, I don't think they would appreciate that :p

Maybe solid or built for men?

I thought chubby was a sort of cute and nice word for overweight.... less critical and less clinical.

Maybe, I don't know...

My interpretation of the word is coloured with personal experience.

I was called chubby as a child and it hurt. :(

"larger women" ?


bubbly is.... kinda stupid if you ask me :confused: (though personally i'm not much of a fan of being called chubby either)

*lol
I like that... but you can only really apply that to women. Imagine calling a chubby guy curvacious.... :eek:
You could call them husky.

I thought chubby was a sort of cute and nice word for overweight.... less critical and less clinical.
It is.. Well, meant to be anyway.
Nowadays anything more than slim or "normal" is considered unfashionable and ugly. It's stupid really.

Plump?
Voluptuous?
Pillowy?

Fat?
Overweight?

Sorry, I just calls em as I sees em. I'm a whale biologist y'know.

Hmm, I don't think so... My image of chubby is slightly heavier than that...
Huh. Well, what do you call people with obvious fat on them who aren't overweight?

Huh. Well, what do you call people with obvious fat on them who aren't overweight?

You changed your definition :p

Before you said someone who was healthy, but not slim or skinny was chubby.

Chubby to me is someone who is a little larger than average, but not overly so, I guess...

You could just use the term Flabby. No beating round the bush there.

You changed your definition :p

Before you said someone who was healthy, but not slim or skinny was chubby.

Chubby to me is someone who is a little larger than average, but not overly so, I guess...
I still mean someone who's healthy, but not slim or skinny. Someone who's of a healthy, average weight--not over- or underweight--but who obviously has some fat.

I'd call myself chubby, for example, because although I'm not unhealthy or overweight, I have to watch how my shirt's tucked in if I don't want my belly to be too obvious. :)

I still mean someone who's healthy, but not slim or skinny. Someone who's of a healthy, average weight--not over- or underweight--but who obviously has some fat.

I'd call myself chubby, for example, because although I'm not unhealthy or overweight, I have to watch how my shirt's tucked in if I don't want my belly to be too obvious. :)

Ah, well, I'd call that average or normal :)

What word would you choose, then?

Meaty.

I love I love I love I Love I Love I Love I LOVE I LOVE I LOVE MEATY!

:cool:

Fat or overweight are the only acceptable descriptions. Euphemisms are stupid.

Meaty.

I love I love I love I Love I Love I Love I LOVE I LOVE I LOVE MEATY!

:cool:

Lol, we get the point :p

Lol, we get the point :p

Why be subtle when admiring divine, timeless, hyperbolic perfection? You must EXCLAIM! Such is the beauty of The Beautiful Darkness!

Euphemisms are stupid.
Not if you're trying to get some.

Not if you're trying to get some.

Guessing from his comments, he wouldn't be interested much :p

Why be subtle when admiring divine, timeless, hyperbolic perfection? You must EXCLAIM! Such is the beauty of The Beautiful Darkness!

Hey, I never said I was meaty :p

Hey, I never said I was meaty :p

You so are. Meaty-li-cious.

Hey I didn't get any jealous reaction from Cabra West yet. :confused:

You so are. Meaty-li-cious.

Hey I didn't get any jealous reaction from Cabra West yet. :confused:

Does meaty mean curvy? Cause I'd call myself curvy. :p

Does meaty mean curvy? Cause I'd call myself curvy. :p
Zaftig, perhaps? :)

Does meaty mean curvy? Cause I'd call myself curvy. :p

Yes. Meaty curvy babelicious sex bomb, that's what! Must EXCLAIM!

You so are. Meaty-li-cious.

Hey I didn't get any jealous reaction from Cabra West yet. :confused:

Jealous? Me? Of my sweet cutie Beautiful Darkness? Never!

:fluffle:

Guessing from his comments, he wouldn't be interested much :p
For the record, neither would I.

A man’s attraction to heavier chicks makes about as much sense to me as a man’s attraction to another man. I don’t understand it on a personal level, but that doesn’t mean they also don’t and I can respect that.

Besides, calling anyone you don’t know fat is a good way to throw away a great deal of opportunities.

Zaftig, perhaps? :)

What is the meaning of this word?

Jealous? Me? Of my sweet cutie Beautiful Darkness? Never!

:fluffle:

Ladies, stop turning me on. I want to be known as a true geek NSG poster. Not a play-pretend-geek-to-get-rich-and-successful-with-ladies geek.

I must stay focused on my intellectuagamagig.

Take your pick:

plump
tubby
fat
rotund
portly
dumpy
chuncky
well upholstered
well covered
well rounded
roly poly
pudgy
zaftig
blubbery
podgy
pursy
overweight
flabby
paunchy
pot or beer-bellied
meaty
of ample proportions
obese
corpulent
gross
fleshy
beefy
porky
fubsy
substantial
generous
of superfulous endowment

Yes. Meaty curvy babelicious sex bomb, that's what! Must EXCLAIM!

:) Someone thinks he's onto a good thing : p

Jealous? Me? Of my sweet cutie Beautiful Darkness? Never!

:fluffle:

Aww, I <3 you too,beautiful :fluffle:

What is the meaning of this word?
"Pleasingly plump", specifically of a woman, or "Having a full, shapely figure".

From the Yiddish for "Juicy" apparently. *Slurp*

Ladies, stop turning me on. I want to be known as a true geek NSG poster. Not a play-pretend-geek-to-get-rich-and-successful-with-ladies geek.

I must stay focused on my intellectuagamagig.

Lol, your what? :p

:fluffle:

"Pleasingly plump", specifically of a woman, or "Having a full, shapely figure".

From the Yiddish for "Juicy" apparently. *Slurp*

Oh, that's not so bad. :)

What is your definition of it?
A girl who is a cow with sagging skin is disgusting.
But I'm all for a girl with a little bit of meat on her bones, a little bit more thigh.

:) Someone thinks he's onto a good thing : p

;) Not merely a good thing. A babelicious treat! YES!

;) Not merely a good thing. A babelicious treat! YES!

:D Yum : D

Lol, your what? :p

:fluffle:

Intellectuagamagig - the intellectual version of "I'm not a doctor, I just play one on TV." You curvaceous juicy goddess, you make my mouth water. YES!

Intellectuagamagig - the intellectual version of "I'm not a doctor, I just play one on TV." You curvaceous juicy goddess, you make my mouth water. YES!

Ah right, like House, or Scrubs? :p You're such a flirt : p

:D Yum : D

So you don't mind being called zaftig? Dearest bombshell? Will we ever get caught?

Ah right, like House, or Scrubs? :p You're such a flirt : pAhem. Ahh! The humanity! Ahhhhhhhh!!!!!!

So you don't mind being called zaftig? Dearest bombshell? Will we get ever get caught?

If the actual meaning is curvy... I guess not....:confused: Oh, no doubt someone will spy our white secrets soon enough...

Ahem. Ahh! The humanity! Ahhhhhhhh!!!!!!

Forvive me if that was a reference to either of those shows... I don't watch them...

Ahem. Ahh! The humanity! Ahhhhhhhh!!!!!!

Ahem what? You have issues with Scrubs? That happens to be one of my favorite medico-comedies! :rolleyes: What do you think of the word "zaftig" though?

Not used often where I live. :) Are you joining the fun, or are you a mod-spy?

I thought "bubbly" had to do with personality?

Ahem what? You have issues with Scrubs? That happens to be one of my favorite medico-comedies! :rolleyes: What do you think of the word "zaftig" though?

Not used often where I live. :) Are you joining the fun, or are you a mod-spy?
I love Scrubs.. Great show that. Zaftig? Never heard of it. Fun huh? Melikes fun.

I thought "bubbly" had to do with personality?

Maybe they automatically assumed that a chubby (or meaty or curvy or whatever word is applicable) woman has to have a bubbly personality?

I thought "bubbly" had to do with personality?
True that.. Exactly what I thought.

I thought "bubbly" had to do with personality?

It does... 'fun', 'viacious', 'chatty'... These are words I associate with 'bubbly'. *nods*

Maybe they automatically assumed that a chubby (or meaty or curvy or whatever word is applicable) woman has to have a bubbly personality?

I know a few that don't :p

It does... 'fun', 'viacious', 'chatty'... These are words I associate with 'bubbly'. *nods*

Yeah, and 'giggly'. *nods*

Yeah, and 'giggly'. *nods*

*shudders

Forvive me if that was a reference to either of those shows... I don't watch them...

You didn't watch Dorian and his exploits? You should rent it or something, Scrubs is hilarious! If you're not a real doctor that is. Though I'd rather watch you, my love goddess...

My medical student friend finds it rather offensive. :p

Yeah, and 'giggly'. *nods*

Precisely... lololololol

:rolleyes:

You didn't watch Dorian and his exploits? You should rent it or something, Scrubs is hilarious! If you're not a real doctor that is. Though I'd rather watch you, my love goddess...
My medical student friend finds it rather offensive. :p

No, I'm afraid one of my friend's obsession with it has quite put me off :p*Blushes*

*shudders

Heh.

Meh, why couldn't he just say "I like larger women". Doesn't that cover it?

Plump?
Voluptuous?
Pillowy?

Voluptuous works much better than chubby. It sounds like the lady is curvy, sexy and proud of it. Chubby sounds like a plump baby and bubbly sounds more like sparkling wine. I never heard bubbly applied to size before today.

It does... 'fun', 'viacious', 'chatty'... These are words I associate with 'bubbly'. *nods*

I agree. I would add 'cheerful' and 'outgoing'. Just like you, my Venus.

No, I'm afraid one of my friend's obsession with it has quite put me off :p*Blushes*
My friend can relate most things in life to something that has happened in Scubs.. Not healthy.

I agree. I would add 'cheerful' and 'outgoing'. Just like you, my Venus.

Yes, I guess you could too :)Were you in that other thread too?

My friend can relate most things in life to something that has happened in Scubs.. Not healthy.

:eek: That's hardcore!

I agree. I would add 'cheerful' and 'outgoing'. Just like you, my Venus.
Pretty much a happy person who doesn't mind expressing it.. You're going to get caught by other people soon, heh.

No, I'm afraid one of my friend's obsession with it has quite put me off :p*Blushes*
Though I love to play doctor. With a cold stethoscope.
I guess he's not a doctor then. :D

Heh.

Meh, why couldn't he just say "I like larger women". Doesn't that cover it?

I don't know... "larger" sounds really huge, somehow.
Anyway, I guess he didn't assume that some girls would be offended by the word "chubby", and I don't really understand why either.

I don't know... "larger" sounds really huge, somehow.
Anyway, I guess he didn't assume that some girls would be offended by the word "chubby", and I don't really understand why either.
You don't understand why he would assume that or why some girls would be offended?

Though I love to play doctor. With a cold stethoscope.
I guess he's not a doctor then. :D
: eek: Kinky!
Nope, he's a computing student :p

Pretty much a happy person who doesn't mind expressing it.. You're going to get caught by other people soon, heh.
Don't be a killjoy, my friend
'Effervescent' ? That would be the geek way of saying bubbly. :D

Anyway, I guess he didn't assume that some girls would be offended by the word "chubby", and I don't really understand why either.
I didn't realize that "chubby" was off-limits, either.

Don't be a killjoy, my friend
'Effervescent' ? That would be the geek way of saying bubbly. :D
Lol, like it. My lips are sealed. I've forgotten how I found out, lol.

Nope, he's a computing student :p
Quite kinky. Too bad we can't rope Cabra West with us.
Ah, typical of a computer geek.
Not that I don't like her. I just love you more *wink*
Always laughing at other's medical misfortunes! :D

Lol, like it. My lips are sealed. I've forgotten how I found out, lol.

Thanks. I learnt this from British Stereotypes and Kulikovo yesterday.

Quite kinky. Too bad we can't rope Cabra West with us.
Ah, typical of a computer geek.
Not that I don't like her. I just love you more *wink*
Always laughing at other's medical misfortunes! :D

Lol, or any other kind of misfortune :p*Is loved*

Thanks. I learnt this from British Stereotypes and Kulikovo yesterday.
Oh, quite alright. Really? It's quite fun huh? Especially when you don't get caught.

Lol, or any other kind of misfortune :p
*gives a warm cuddle* Shall I light a scented candle?
But seriously, though I like the word meaty, 'voluptuous' does sound more attractive. I think it refers the less plump physique, but definitely not bone-thin.

*gives a warm cuddle* Shall I light a scented candle?
But seriously, though I like the word meaty, 'voluptuous' does sound more attractive. I think it refers the less plump physique, but definitely not bone-thin.
Candle?
Yes, I think voluptuous is a nicer word too *nods*

What word would you choose, then?
how about "Rubenesque"?

Has the added factor that if the person knows what it means and it's origins, they're prob above average intelligence, which is a big plus.

*gives a warm cuddle* Shall I light a scented candle?
But seriously, though I like the word meaty, 'voluptuous' does sound more attractive. I think it refers the less plump physique, but definitely not bone-thin.
'voluptuous' makes me think they have big tits, whereas 'meaty' has me envisaging big thighs.

And no, I can't explain why that is.

Oh, quite alright. Really? It's quite fun huh? Especially when you don't get caught.
They got caught, they weren't subtle. I'm pushin' it
What is your favorite word for a 'chubby' physique?
Definitely fun, esp right under the nose of vets like Kanabia. Hah!
Voluptuous is definitely a alluring word to me. ;)

What is your favorite word for a 'chubby' physique?

Perfect :).Heh, yea.. Good times.

'voluptuous' makes me think they have big tits, whereas 'meaty' has me envisaging big thighs.

And no, I can't explain why that is.

It's just you, Demented Hamsters. :D Meaty can be big boobs too.

'voluptuous' makes me think they have big tits, whereas 'meaty' has me envisaging big thighs.

And no, I can't explain why that is.
I see meaty as meaning both but yea, agreed for voluptuous.

Perfect :).Heh, yea.. Good times.

*Feels left out* :(

*Feels left out* :(
What I mean is, while theres nothing wrong with being skinny, I'm just sick of how girls are so driven to be skinny. So, I think those who are well filled out and happy are awesome.

People should learn to develop a thicker skin.:rolleyes:
Surely that's the problem anyway! :)

What I mean is, while theres nothing wrong with being skinny, I'm just sick of how girls are so driven to be skinny. So, I think those who are well filled out and happy are awesome.

Oh, I wasn't meaning that I am skinny... I was just feeling like noone was talking to me :p

Oh, I wasn't meaning that I am skinny... I was just feeling like noone was talking to me :p
Heh, sorry :p.

Heh, sorry :p.

Lol, np :D

:fluffle:

Well.. people call me a teddy bear >.<

Well.. people call me a teddy bear >.<

Are you furry?

Just a little :)

Just a little :)
Hmm.


Does fluffy white stuff come out when your head gets pulled forcefully upon?

It's just you, Demented Hamsters. :D Meaty can be big boobs too.
I didn't finish where my imaginations usually lead me:
voluptuous: Big boobs I want shove me head between and "blubblubblubblub!"
meaty: thigh-slapping competition!

(Aussies who can remember the comedy 'Fast Forward" may remember a classic skit with country and western star Magda Szubanski showing off her great musical abilities of 'thigh-slapping'. Can't say why I remember that skit, but I've always liked it).

Speaking of Magda (who plays Sharon in "Kath & Kim"), Kim would be a good example of an Aussie chav.

Speaking of Magda (who plays Sharon in "Kath & Kim"), Kim would be a good example of an Aussie chav.

I think 'chav' roughly translates to the Australian word 'westie'. :p

*Feels left out* :(
Yes, floral scented candles. And a flower tiara for you dear.
Sorry I was distracted by a good documentary on TV. Where were we?

"voluptuous" sounds apppealing to me- I picture well proportioned (in my point of view) and desireable.

"meaty" isnt how I'd describe an attractive female-its what I'd describe a rack of ribs or something else I was planning to devour, not kiss & lick.

I think 'chav' roughly translates to the Australian word 'westie'. :p

I'd say 'bogan'

Yes, floral scented candles. And a flower tiara for you dear.
Sorry I was distracted by a good documentary on TV. Where were we?

Erm, I'm not entirely sure :p
Ooh, daisys? To go with my innocence? : )
What kind of doco are/ were you watching?

I'd say 'bogan'

That's because you are not as cool as me :p

:fluffle:

That's because you are not as cool as me :p

:fluffle:

Maybe not, but I am more awesome, so there. :p :fluffle:

Maybe not, but I am more awesome, so there. :p :fluffle:

Why, O why? :(

Why, O why? :(

It's just how it is. Nobody is more awesome than me, i'm afraid.

You come pretty close, though. ;)

Well.. people call me a teddy bear >.<

People call me that too!!! (giggity giggity giggity) (goo)

It's just how it is. Nobody is more awesome than me, i'm afraid.

You come pretty close, though. ;)

Oh I see, arrogance personified :p

Close, is that all? :(

Oh I see, arrogance personified :p

I have to be good at something, right? :p

Close, is that all? :(

OK, very close then. :fluffle:

I have to be good at something, right? :p

OK, very close then. :fluffle:

I'm sure there are many things you are good at :fluffle:

I'm sure there are many things you are good at :fluffle:

I can fluffle with the best of 'em. :fluffle:


*Ahem.* :p

Erm, I'm not entirely sure :p
Ooh, daisys? To go with my innocence? : )
What kind of doco are/ were you watching?
We didn't get caught! Let's do this again someday.
History documentary. I have to go get supper now, talk to you later, Beautiful Darkness! :)

I can fluffle with the best of 'em. :fluffle:


*Ahem.* :p

Indeed :fluffle: I should know!

We didn't get caught! Let's do this again someday.
History documentary. I have to go get supper now, talk to you later, Beautiful Darkness! :)

Ooh, I like history :)
Oooh, maybe : p
Fare thee well for now *waves*

I would find bubbly to be more offensive than chubby. In fact, I think chubby is the least offensive word one can use to describe heavier persons, with the exception of heavy maybe.

"voluptuous" sounds apppealing to me- I picture well proportioned (in my point of view) and desireable.

"meaty" isnt how I'd describe an attractive female-its what I'd describe a rack of ribs or something else I was planning to devour, not kiss & lick.


You mean, there's a difference with you? :p

Oh I see, arrogance personified :p

Close, is that all? :(
Hey! You should be grateful with 'close'. That's more than any of us have ever got.

Hey! You should be grateful with 'close'. That's more than any of us have ever got.

Really?

*Is mightily appeased* :D

You mean, there's a difference with you? :p

You have a point there- As a voluptuos female,you would get licked and chewed on, I wouldnt swallow you though.

Maybe females are just one the borderline with meat to me. That line is still blurry, like the one between pain & pleasure.

Hey! You should be grateful with 'close'. That's more than any of us have ever got.

Ahahahaha! :D

I would find bubbly to be more offensive than chubby. In fact, I think chubby is the least offensive word one can use to describe heavier persons, with the exception of heavy maybe.
Plump?
Buxom?
Large?

None of them sound real attractive.

Though, if someone was described as 'bubbly' to me, I'd first think efferevescent. As in outgoing, or enthusiastic.

You have a point there- As a voluptuos female,you would get licked and chewed on, I wouldnt swallow you though.

Maybe females are just one the borderline with meat to me. That line is still blurry, like the one between pain & pleasure.

*lol
I guess that's ok, as long as you don't try to barbeque me ;)

Cabra, you're back :fluffle:

Cabra, you're back :fluffle:

Hey there, sweetie. :fluffle:

Back for a bit, yes... I'm just too bored at work ;)

Hey there, sweetie. :fluffle:

Back for a bit, yes... I'm just too bored at work ;)

Ah, I know the feeling... I'm supposed to be studying... :p

:fluffle:

*lol
I guess that's ok, as long as you don't try to barbeque me ;)


I think you know by now I like my women and meat raw.

I think you know by now I like my women and meat raw.

Raw? I would have thought screaming ;)

Raw? I would have thought screaming ;)


thats inevitable

To me, chubby basically means you have a spare time or some fat in the belly. Thats all, I don't think that can be offensive. Bubbly however is more personality-wise, as in a really happy-go-lucky kind of person, less to do with body type.

Chubby? No.

You can't say "chubby" anymore? That's just silly; "chubby" is one of the mildest terms for the condition compared to the many out there. I really don't see the problem with admitting the emperor has no clothes on and saying what we already know. If you're fat, you're fat and euphemisms like "bubbly" aren't going to fix anything.

I used to get Teddy Bear a lot.... now its more "Hey you in the corner". Which is a darn shame. All these words like voluptuous and buxom are great for females, but males..... its harder. I think fat probably covers us now.
Aww... I'm too late aren't I...bugger