chubby cheeks

USAGE SUMMARY

"chubby cheeks" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to full, plump cheeks on a person's face. Example: The baby giggled as she squeezed her chubby cheeks between her tiny hands.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Their singer has chubby cheeks.

The Guardian - Music

She looks like herself: girlish still, slender, with chubby cheeks.

The New Yorker

Chubby cheeks are charming; chubby thighs are not.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

People only concrete on their body weight and forget about chubby cheeks.

Harvard University

Lourdes lifted Daniel Enrique, with chubby cheeks and tufts of black hair, up to the screen.

The New York Times

Having a large waist and chubby cheeks was a sign of wealth and social class.

Independent

Khishen had chubby cheeks and a boyish smile; Alaeddine's countenance was sterner and more knowing.

The New Yorker

Most of them have chubby cheeks, and flash us sweet smiles.

The New Yorker

He was easily recognizable in the ensemble cast, with his trademark beanie and chubby cheeks.

The New York Times - Arts

Wang's friends called her "Baozi," or steamed bun, because of her chubby cheeks.

The Washington Post

She described them as plastic, "with chubby cheeks and red hats".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "chubby cheeks" when you want to convey a sense of cuteness, youthfulness, or health. It's particularly effective in descriptions of babies and young children.

Common error

While generally harmless, "chubby cheeks" can be perceived as informal or even slightly infantilizing in professional settings. Opt for more neutral terms like "full cheeks" or "rounded face" when describing adults in formal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chubby cheeks" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase modifying a noun, describing the physical appearance of someone's cheeks. As Ludwig AI shows, it is commonly used in descriptive contexts to denote fullness and roundness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "chubby cheeks" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe full, rounded cheeks, often associated with youthfulness and cuteness. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is descriptive, and it generally carries a neutral to informal tone. While prevalent in news and media sources, it's less common in formal or professional settings where more neutral terms like "full cheeks" may be preferred. When using the term, consider the context and your relationship with the person you're describing, as some individuals may be sensitive about their appearance. Alternatives like "plump cheeks" or "round cheeks" can offer similar descriptions with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

plump cheeks

Replaces "chubby" with "plump", suggesting a similar but perhaps slightly more refined fullness.

round cheeks

Focuses on the shape of the cheeks rather than the degree of fullness.

full cheeks

A more general term indicating a lack of hollowness in the cheeks.

fleshy cheeks

Emphasizes the soft, fleshy texture of the cheeks.

pudgy cheeks

Similar to "chubby" but may carry a slightly more negative connotation.

baby cheeks

Implies the soft, rounded cheeks typical of infants.

cherubic cheeks

Suggests a round, innocent, and attractive fullness in the cheeks.

apple cheeks

Refers to cheeks that are round and prominent, like apples.

rosy cheeks

Describes cheeks that are red or pink, often associated with youth and health.

well-fed cheeks

Implies that the cheeks are full due to good nutrition or a surplus of food.

FAQs

How can I describe someone with "chubby cheeks" in a more formal way?

Instead of "chubby cheeks", you could use phrases like "full cheeks", "rounded cheeks", or describe the face as having a "soft", "youthful" appearance without directly mentioning the cheeks.

What is the connotation of calling someone's cheeks "chubby"?

The term "chubby cheeks" generally has a positive connotation, often associated with youth, health, and cuteness. However, it's important to consider the context and your relationship with the person before using the term, as some individuals may be sensitive about their weight or appearance.

What are some synonyms for "chubby" in the context of describing cheeks?

Synonyms for "chubby" in this context include "plump", "full", "round", and "fleshy". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "chubby cheeks" when describing an adult?

While generally acceptable, using "chubby cheeks" to describe an adult can sometimes be perceived as infantilizing or slightly disrespectful. Consider your audience and the overall tone you want to create. In more formal settings, opting for "full cheeks" or "rounded cheeks" might be more appropriate.