fat character

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fat character" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing literature, storytelling, or character development, often referring to a character with significant depth and complexity. Example: "In her latest novel, the author creates a fat character who struggles with societal expectations while also being a source of humor and wisdom."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

A fat character enters with a burst of insultingly umpy-pumpy oboe music.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I don't know if I'd cast your voice in the role of a fat character.

The New York Times - Magazine

People don't see her as a fat character, they see her as a very likeable character they can love".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Difference, when it existed, was often only a narrative driver of change, something to be fought and overcome – the fat character finding happiness by losing weight, the nerd obtaining a life-changing makeover.

The Guardian

Couldn't the Chow Yun Fat character in "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" have warmed up the spiky princess played by Ziyi Zhang with a nice roast turkey and a chorus of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer"?

The New York Times

It's not OK, for example, to make your Chinese character shifty and inscrutable or your fat character stupid and lazy: you need to have learned enough to understand where these false ideas come from and why it's so pernicious to replicate them.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Not like Jack making jokes about Will being fat in Will & Grace or Courtney Cox in the fat suit and flashback – they're really fat characters!

The Guardian - TV & Radio

This sets off a madcap scene in which chorus members scamper around, trying on costumes, some of them squeezing into body padding to play fat characters, others stripping to boxer shorts and putting on drab servant's garb.

The New York Times - Arts

Why not mix it up so that one week the earnest Swedes count the appearance of characters of colour, the next week they quantify the presence of fat characters, or gay characters, or Muslim characters, or characters in wheelchairs?

BBC

The way the media depicts fat characters - and fat people - has been a problem for generations.

Huffington Post

Despite the recent increase in fat characters appearing on television and in movies, many of them are required to change in order to be accepted.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a character's physical appearance, consider the context and your audience. Using the phrase "fat character" can carry negative connotations, so opt for more neutral or descriptive language like "plus-size character" or "stout character" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Common error

Be mindful of perpetuating harmful stereotypes when portraying "fat characters". Ensure their weight is not their defining characteristic and that they have depth, agency, and complexities beyond their physical appearance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fat character" primarily functions as a noun phrase, typically used to identify or describe a character in a narrative based on their body size. This is supported by Ludwig, as the phrase is frequently used in discussions about representation in media. For example, "The report dissected the typical fat character in TV shows and films." from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Wiki

13%

Science

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fat character" is a noun phrase commonly used to describe characters based on their body size, especially in discussions related to media and literature. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and can be used in various contexts, though its usage should be approached with sensitivity due to potential negative connotations. Ludwig examples show the phrase's prevalence in News & Media, Wiki, and Science sources. When writing, consider opting for more neutral alternatives like "plus-size character" or "stout character" to avoid perpetuating harmful stereotypes. Being mindful of representation and focusing on the character's depth beyond their physical appearance will contribute to more respectful and realistic portrayals.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overweight character

Replaces "fat" with "overweight", a more clinical and potentially less stigmatizing term.

plus-size character

Uses "plus-size" a more positive and body-positive term, often used in fashion and media.

corpulent character

Employs "corpulent", a more formal and somewhat dated term for "fat", suggesting a heavier build.

obese character

Replaces "fat" with "obese", a clinical term that emphasizes the health implications of the character's weight.

large character

Uses "large" as a more general term, less directly focused on fatness but implying substantial size.

stout character

Replaces "fat" with "stout", indicating a sturdy and perhaps stocky build.

heavyset character

Employs "heavyset", which refers to a person who is built in a heavy or sturdy way.

rotund character

Uses "rotund" to denote a round or plump figure, often implying a jovial personality.

portly character

Replaces "fat" with "portly", usually referring to a stout or somewhat fat man.

full-figured character

Uses "full-figured" a more euphemistic term implying an attractive, rounded physique.

FAQs

How can I describe a character without using the term "fat character"?

You can use descriptive alternatives such as "overweight character", "plus-size character", or "stout character", depending on the context and the image you want to create.

Is it offensive to use the phrase "fat character" in my writing?

While not inherently offensive, the term "fat character" can be perceived negatively due to societal biases. Consider the impact of your word choice and whether a more neutral or positive alternative like "full-figured character" might be more appropriate.

What are some common stereotypes associated with "fat characters" in media?

Common stereotypes include portraying them as lazy, gluttonous, unhappy, or as comedic relief. Avoid perpetuating these stereotypes by giving your "fat character" depth, complexity, and agency.

How can I write a respectful and realistic "fat character"?

Focus on their personality, goals, and relationships, and avoid making their weight their defining characteristic. Show them experiencing a full range of emotions and challenges, just like any other character.