big fat liar

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "big fat liar" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to describe someone who is deliberately lying or deceiving someone. For example, "Roy is such a big fat liar - I can't believe anything he says."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Big fat liar!

The New York Times - Style

And then came Big Fat Liar.

The Guardian - Film

Shawn Levy ("Big Fat Liar") directed.

The New York Times - Arts

"He's such a big, fat liar".

The New Yorker

"Big Fat Liar" is rated PG (Parental guidance suggested).

The New York Times

As such, they might conclude that I am, in fact, a big fat liar.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

"I don't care that Newt has lied and that Santorum has lied and that Romney has lied, and that everybody is just a bunch of big, fat liars".

The New York Times

She rails against "big fat liars" like James Frey ("A Million Little Pieces," which he claimed was only 5percentt dishonest, according to a page count) and Greg Mortenson ("Three Cups of Tea").

The New York Times - Books

Watch their noses grow and grow as they waffle on unconvincingly about it being, "the best thing I've ever done and the most satisfying creative journey I've ever undertaken blah blah blah... .. Luckily, not all musicians are big fat liars.

The Guardian - Music

"They are big, fat liars and justify their lies because they believe it is for a higher purpose".

Huffington Post

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak is quoted as saying Iranian officials "are big, fat liars". The cables show the concerns many Arab nations have about Iran's nuclear program, with a number of leaders encouraging the United States to take military action if necessary to thwart it.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "big fat liar", be mindful of the context and audience, as it can be considered offensive. Consider alternatives like "outright liar" or "complete fibber" in more formal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "big fat liar" in formal writing or professional communication. It's too informal and can damage your credibility. Opt for more neutral and professional language, such as "dishonest person" or "misleading statement".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "big fat liar" functions as a compound adjective modifying the noun "liar". According to Ludwig, the phrase is used to emphatically accuse someone of lying. The adjectives "big" and "fat" intensify the accusation, suggesting the lie is significant and deliberate.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

12%

Reference

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "big fat liar" is a common and emphatic way to accuse someone of dishonesty. Ludwig confirms that the expression is grammatically sound, although its informality and potentially offensive nature should be considered. It's frequently found in news and media contexts, often within quotations or opinion pieces. Alternatives such as "outright liar" or "complete fibber" may be more suitable in formal settings. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to assess the context and audience to ensure appropriate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

outright liar

Emphasizes the directness and lack of subtlety in the lie.

barefaced liar

Stresses the boldness and shamelessness of the lie.

complete fibber

Slightly less harsh and more playful than "big fat liar".

chronic liar

Focuses on the habitual nature of the lying.

pathological liar

Implies a psychological compulsion to lie.

consummate liar

Highlights the skill and expertise in lying.

arrant deceiver

More formal and emphasizes the act of deception.

total fabrication

Shifts focus from the person to the lie itself as a complete invention.

mendacious individual

A more formal and less common way of describing a liar.

untruthful person

A straightforward and neutral alternative.

FAQs

What does the phrase "big fat liar" mean?

The phrase "big fat liar" is an emphatic way to call someone a liar, suggesting they are not only dishonest but also that their lies are significant and blatant.

Is "big fat liar" considered offensive?

Yes, "big fat liar" is generally considered an offensive term. It's best to avoid using it in formal or professional settings.

What are some alternatives to "big fat liar"?

Some alternatives to "big fat liar" include "outright liar", "complete fibber", or simply "liar", depending on the level of emphasis you want to convey.

How can I use the phrase "big fat liar" in a sentence?

You can use "big fat liar" to express strong disagreement and accusation. For example: "He claimed he didn't know about the missing money, but I think he's a "big fat liar".