he is fat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he is fat" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are describing someone's physical appearance, though it may be considered impolite or insensitive. Example: "Despite his size, he is very active and enjoys playing sports."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

He is fat.

Independent

He is fat and overeats.

The New Yorker

He is fat, he is funny.

Independent

He is fat and contented, but still inquiring and energetic.

The Guardian - Books

Gertrude says he is "fat and scant of breath".

The Guardian

Now the Witch wakes Hänsel to see if he is fat enough.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

He is " fatter" and "fuzzier" than the other officials, he joked.

The New York Times - Magazine

He was fat.

Independent

He said he's fat".

The New York Times

He was fat and autocratic.

The New Yorker

He was fat and bullied.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and your relationship with the person before using the phrase "he is fat". In many situations, it's more polite and respectful to use a less direct term.

Common error

Avoid using "he is fat" in contexts where it could be perceived as judgmental or offensive. Focus on objective descriptions rather than subjective evaluations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is fat" functions as a descriptive statement, attributing a physical characteristic to a male subject. Ludwig AI indicates that while grammatically correct, it can be perceived as impolite. Examples in Ludwig illustrate its use across various contexts, often carrying a judgmental connotation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while grammatically correct, the phrase "he is fat" is often considered insensitive and impolite. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment. Although commonly found in news and media, it's advisable to use more neutral or clinical terms like "he is overweight" in most contexts. The phrase serves to describe someone's physical appearance, but it carries a risk of being perceived negatively. Authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian demonstrate its usage, but alternative phrasings are often more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is overweight

More polite and clinical term to describe someone's weight.

he has a stout build

A more gentle way to describe someone's larger frame.

he is heavy

A straightforward and relatively neutral way to state someone's weight.

he is plump

A softer, sometimes affectionate, way to describe someone who is slightly overweight.

he is chubby

Informal and often used to describe children or someone with a round face and body.

he is large

A general term that indicates size, not exclusively weight.

he carries extra weight

Indirect and focuses on the act of carrying weight rather than stating a condition.

he is big-boned

Euphemistic and suggests that weight is due to bone structure rather than fat.

he is on the heavier side

An indirect and less judgmental way of describing someone's weight.

he has a full figure

Polite and often used to describe women, but can be applied to men as well.

FAQs

Is it rude to say "he is fat"?

Yes, saying "he is fat" can be considered rude or insensitive. It's generally better to use more polite or neutral terms like "he is overweight" or "he has a stout build".

What are some alternatives to saying "he is fat"?

Alternatives include "he is heavy", "he is plump" (though this can also be considered informal), or "he carries extra weight". The best choice depends on the context and your relationship with the person.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "he is fat"?

It is rarely appropriate to use the phrase "he is fat" directly, unless in a medical context or when quoting someone else. Even then, consider whether a more sensitive phrasing would be better.

What's the difference between "he is fat" and "he is overweight"?

While both phrases describe someone's weight, "he is fat" is generally considered more blunt and less polite than "he is overweight". The latter is a more clinical and less judgmental term.