chubby

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "chubby" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is slightly overweight or plump in a non-offensive manner. Example: "The chubby puppy waddled across the yard, its round belly bouncing with each step."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But for Danish comic Sofie Hagen, that's not too different from the crap she has to put up with in daily life: from the Brits who correct her English to the men who expect her to be impressed by their self-proclaimed status as "chubby chasers".

The Guardian

Pat, with his (or her) chubby body, fluctuating voice and short, curly hair, was supposed to be the butt of a joke for being unidentifiably male or female, but instead wrested control of every sketch by forcefully confronting anyone who tried to figure out his (or her) gender.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The 28-year-old refused to rise to comments made by the Norway centre-half Vegard Forren, once of Southampton, who told TV2.no: "Rooney looks a bit chubby".

The Guardian - Sport

One particularly average offering comes from the lips of Tiffany, who manages a direct reference to Golding's Lord of the Flies and the film's own title in the one outburst: "And then there's a little chubby boy, and they call him Piggy and they're really mean, and then there's a murder.

The Guardian - Film

Gilberto Valladares, a chubby and dynamic man who has set up a beauty parlour in his flat in Old Havana and become a celebrity hairdresser, says he charges up to 10 CUCs a pop.To those who criticise the slow pace of reform, Raúl Castro rightly points out that "we are moving at a faster pace" than many imagine.

The Economist

His environment minister, Edo Ronchi, attended another rally, where rabble-rousers of the old left abused the government for sending troops to Albania and even called the gentle, chubby Mr Prodi "a killer".Indeed, a lot of Italians say that Mr Prodi's time is just about up.

The Economist

"There are always pluses to things".In the films, her sparkling eyes and chubby open arms included everyone; one toss of her shiny curls was an invitation to fun.

The Economist

That is presumably tonic to the real culprit for the hunger, the chubby Dear Leader, Kim Jong Il.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Chubby-cheeked, bespectacled and often sporting a self-satisfied, feline grin, the 67-year-old Mr Chidambaram is a veteran of the tortuous politics of the Congress party, which heads a battered governing coalition.

The Economist

And ruling over it like a theocratic despot, proclaiming the creed du jour, demanding obeisance, excommunicating heretics, was a dark-eyed chubby-faced writer called André Breton.

The Economist

Chubby-cheeked, badly dressed, terrible hair... no, of course they don't: all they want to think about is that dashing silver-fox style that, if you look closely, is nothing more than catalogue man for Grecian 2000.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your audience and the context. While "chubby" is generally considered less offensive than "fat", it can still be sensitive for some individuals.

Common error

Avoid using "chubby" in formal or professional contexts where a more neutral term like "overweight" or "plump" would be more appropriate. Also, be mindful of using it as a derogatory term.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "chubby" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe a person or body part that is slightly overweight or plump. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it accurately depicts this quality in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Reference

10%

Wiki

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "chubby" is a common adjective used to describe someone or something that is slightly overweight or plump. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. While generally considered a mild term, it's important to consider the context and audience to avoid causing offense. Alternatives like "plump" or "chunky" may be more appropriate in certain situations. Usage patterns reveal that "chubby" appears frequently in News & Media and Encyclopedias.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

plump

Implies a pleasing fullness or roundness.

chunky

Suggests a stocky and solid build.

podgy

Indicates being short and fat.

fleshy

Emphasizes the soft and fleshy nature.

roly-poly

Describes someone short, round, and amusingly plump.

stout

Suggests a solid and somewhat heavy build.

well-padded

Euphemistic term implying extra flesh.

overweight

A more clinical term for exceeding a healthy weight.

fat

A more direct and potentially offensive term.

round

Focuses on the circular shape and fullness.

FAQs

How can I use "chubby" in a sentence?

You can use "chubby" to describe someone or something that is slightly overweight. For example, "The baby had "chubby cheeks"" or "He was a "chubby child" but grew into a fit adult."

What words can I use instead of "chubby"?

Alternatives to "chubby" include "plump", "chunky", or "stout". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it rude to call someone "chubby"?

While generally less offensive than calling someone "fat", calling someone "chubby" can still be considered impolite or insensitive, especially if the person is self-conscious about their weight. It's best to avoid commenting on someone's weight unless it's necessary and appropriate.

What is the difference between "chubby" and "fat"?

"Chubby" typically implies a slight and often endearing plumpness, while "fat" is a more direct and often negative term for being overweight. "Chubby" is usually used to describe babies, children, or someone who is only slightly overweight, while "fat" can describe people of any age who are significantly overweight.