fatty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fatty" is correct and usable in written English, though it can be considered informal or derogatory depending on the context.
You can use it to describe something that is high in fat or to refer to a person in a casual or insulting manner. Example: "The burger was delicious, but it was definitely a fatty meal that I shouldn't have indulged in."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You can sit in the courtyard around a brazier and eat llama a la pobre – fatty, tender llama meat on the bone, served with chips, fried eggs and onions.

The Guardian - Travel

Fish oils – specifically omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids – have been shown to cut the risk of cardiovascular disease and are a popular food supplement.

The Guardian

My problem – whether you believe it was brought on by lack of self-control or you perhaps recognise the danger lurking in a culture and economy that does its best to encourage the consumption of sugary, fatty foods – was one that stymied my potential, and could have killed me.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Her chef says her body needs omega-3 fatty acids for maximum fertility, so she'll be eating lots of mackerel, grilled tomatoes and poached eggs, for vitamin D. He has also recommended banana smoothies, because B6 is said to help egg production".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The report points out that 70-90% of obese people are suffering from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which – like alcohol – causes cirrhosis and can lead to early death.

The Guardian

I, for one, can't wait to grow a fatty beanbag in my own back, and wallow in it contentedly until retirement age.

The Guardian - Opinion

But concerns over human health risk were dismissed by Colin Lazarus, a scientist at the University of Bristol who has worked on putting genes for fatty acids into lab plants.

The Guardian

Not only are those delicate slivers fatty and possibly difficult to cut, but their complex flavours should be allowed their full expression.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I had my first lardy cake earlier this year, from a petrol station with a surprising array of baked goods, and the fatty, soft, sweet carb load sent me to sleep for the rest of the car journey home.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This is the fact that the French tend to eat fatty diets rich in red meat but to have the survival characteristics of those whose diets are lean and vegetarian.

The Economist

Now all bar Florida and Virginia are over 25%, with Louisiana and Mississippi tipping the scales past 30%.Mr Edge says southern food need not be fatty.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing food, use "fatty" to indicate a high fat content. Be mindful of the context, as it can have negative connotations when referring to people.

Common error

Avoid using "fatty" as a direct insult or derogatory term towards individuals. Opt for more respectful and accurate descriptors if discussing someone's weight.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "fatty" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something containing or resembling fat. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is also sometimes used as a noun, though this is less common and can be considered offensive.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Lifestyle

25%

Opinion

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "fatty" functions primarily as an adjective to describe things high in fat content. As Ludwig AI confirms, it can also be used as a noun, though this usage is often considered derogatory. It appears most frequently in News & Media, Lifestyle, and Opinion contexts, maintaining an informal register. While grammatically correct, it's important to be mindful of the potential negative connotations and use more neutral or specific terms when appropriate. Remember to use more respectful terms and precise language in formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obese

Indicates a medical condition characterized by excessive body fat.

overweight

Indicates that someone weighs more than is considered healthy.

corpulent

A more formal and clinical term for being overweight.

plump

Suggests a pleasant fullness or roundness, often used in a positive or neutral way.

lardy

Describes something containing or resembling lard, often in a culinary context.

stout

Implies a solid and somewhat heavy build, often used for men.

greasy

Describes something covered in or containing a lot of fat or oil.

fattening

Describes food that is likely to make someone gain weight.

adipose

A scientific term referring to fat or fatty tissue.

portly

Suggests a dignified or imposing stoutness.

FAQs

How can I use "fatty" in a sentence?

You might say, "This steak is quite "fatty"", or, used as an insult, albeit not advisedly, "Stop being such a "fatty"".

Is "fatty" a formal or informal term?

"Fatty" is generally considered an informal term. In formal contexts, it's better to use terms like "high in fat" or, when referring to people, avoid the term altogether in favor of neutral descriptors.

What words are similar to "fatty"?

Similar words include "greasy", "oily", "plump" (when referring to a person in a non-offensive way), or "adipose" (in scientific contexts).

When is it inappropriate to use the word "fatty"?

It is generally inappropriate to use "fatty" as a derogatory term towards individuals. It's best to avoid using it in contexts where it could be perceived as offensive or insensitive.