full figured

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "full figured" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a person, often a woman, who has a curvy or voluptuous body shape. Example: "She confidently embraced her full figured body and wore the dress that made her feel beautiful."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

"I think it's stupid to say you're full figured," she says.

Huffington Post

For curvy, full figured bodies, avoid short hair as this can make you look heavier.

WikiHow

Remember the most important part of dressing well when you are full figured is shape not size!

WikiHow

(She also received the Full Figured Entertainer of the Year Award).

The New Yorker

At Full Figured Fashion Week, TRUE Model Management sponsored a panel called "The Great Debate".

The New Yorker

Its unofficial name, I quickly gathered at Full Figured Fashion Week, was "fat-girl clothes".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

His voyeuristic eye for fiercely self-assertive, full-figured young women adds an intriguing, creepy psychology.

The New York Times - Arts

The earliest work is a 1943 pastel-and-watercolor image of a full-figured nude, titled "Dorina".

The New Yorker

Full-figured ideas animate every turn.

The New York Times - Books

"I am a full-figured woman.

The New York Times

Then came "women's" sizes, followed by "full-figured," which was popularized by lingerie sellers.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone, consider whether mentioning their body type is relevant to the context. If it is, use "full figured" or a similar term with sensitivity and respect.

Common error

Avoid using "full figured" as a euphemism or in contexts where it could be perceived as condescending or objectifying. Ensure it's used descriptively and not judgmentally.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "full figured" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective modifying a noun, typically a person, to indicate their body shape. Ludwig examples show this usage in contexts ranging from fashion to personal descriptions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "full figured" is a descriptive adjective generally used to describe someone's body shape, often as a more polite alternative to direct terms like "fat". According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and commonly used in neutral contexts such as news and media, as well as in wikis. While it's generally acceptable, sensitivity to individual preferences is crucial when describing someone's body type. Alternatives include "curvy", "plus size", and "voluptuous". Consider the context and audience when choosing the most appropriate term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

curvy

A more general and often positive term for having curves.

plus-size

Commonly used in the fashion industry to describe larger sizes.

voluptuous

Emphasizes attractiveness and curvaceousness.

ample

Suggests a generous or abundant figure.

well-rounded

A more subtle way to describe a full figure.

Rubenesque

Refers to the style of full-figured women depicted in Rubens' paintings.

buxom

Specifically refers to a large bust.

stout

Can imply a sturdy or robust build.

plump

Suggests a soft and rounded figure.

heavyset

A more direct and less euphemistic term.

FAQs

What does "full figured" mean?

"Full figured" is a term used to describe someone, typically a woman, who has a curvy or voluptuous body shape. It's often used as an alternative to terms like "overweight" or "obese".

What are some alternatives to saying "full figured"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "curvy", "plus size", "voluptuous", or "ample".

Is it offensive to describe someone as "full figured"?

It depends on the context and your intention. While "full figured" is often used as a more polite term than "fat", some people may still find it offensive. Consider the person's feelings and the overall tone of your conversation.

How can I use "full figured" in a sentence?

You might say, "The clothing line features designs for "full figured" women," or "She is a confident, "full figured" model who inspires many."