podgy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "podgy" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who is slightly overweight or chubby, often in a light-hearted or affectionate manner. Example: "The little boy was quite podgy, with round cheeks and a big smile that made everyone adore him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They filled up a latex glove – "what looked like an extra-large condom with ice water" – and held it against his podgy face.

The Guardian - Sport

There are, of course, also diet ears for pooches on the podgy side.

The Guardian - Business

That must hurt more than a few podgy pics.

The Economist

Now he wants his podgy state to emulate him.Last year, state legislators passed an act the first of its kind in the country to measure the body mass index of the state's schoolchildren.

The Economist

An obscene puppet show and a podgy stripper who kept up a patter of ribald jokes also proved popular.

The Economist

The podgy Uzbek scrambles to get his wheezing Daewoo into reverse, but the attacker has managed to grab and swing open its driver-side door.

The Economist

THE opening of South Africa's parliament is always a glitzy affair: podgy politicians strut before the cameras in local garb, ball-gowns and slick suits.

The Economist

In art as in life, both Kims are effeminate and podgy.

The Economist

With his big shiny forehead and podgy face, he looked like the class swot, rather than a revolutionary.

The Economist

Indeed, meet him at his Milwaukee office and the man Mr Immelt most closely resembles is Bill Clinton: casual, clever, intimate and physically imposing in a slightly podgy sort of way.After such an exhaustive selection process, it is safe to assume that Mr Immelt is a talented leader.

The Economist

Unlike its characters, real mafiosi are just as likely to be podgy and their women plain, and to have never uttered a witticism in their lives.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "podgy" to describe someone or something that is pleasantly plump or slightly overweight in a light-hearted or affectionate way. It's best used in informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "podgy" in formal or professional settings, as it can be perceived as insensitive or unprofessional. Opt for more neutral terms like "slightly overweight" or "chubby" in formal communications.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "podgy" primarily functions as a descriptive word, modifying nouns to indicate that they are slightly fat or chubby. Ludwig indicates that the term is acceptable and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "podgy" is a common and acceptable adjective used to describe someone or something as slightly fat or chubby. Ludwig provides numerous examples from reputable news sources illustrating its usage. While grammatically correct and generally suitable for informal contexts, avoid using "podgy" in formal or professional settings where more neutral terms like "slightly overweight" or "chubby" would be more appropriate. The term carries a neutral to slightly affectionate tone, making it useful for gentle descriptions of physical appearance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pudgy

Very similar to "podgy", also describing someone who is slightly fat.

tubby

Similar to "podgy" and "pudgy", suggesting a rounded or stout physique.

chubby

Refers to a plump and round appearance, often in a cute or endearing way.

plump

Suggests a full and rounded figure, often considered attractive or healthy.

roly-poly

Describes someone short, round, and pleasantly fat, often used for children.

stout

Describes a thick and heavy build, often implying strength and robustness.

fleshy

Emphasizes the abundance of soft tissue or flesh on the body.

portly

A more formal and often euphemistic way of describing someone who is stout or fat, especially middle-aged men.

stocky

Describes a build that is solid and broad, often implying muscularity as well as fat.

well-fed

Suggests that someone is plump or chubby due to having a good diet, often used humorously or gently.

FAQs

What does "podgy" mean?

"Podgy" means slightly fat or chubby. It's often used in a lighthearted or affectionate way.

What can I say instead of "podgy"?

You can use alternatives like "chubby", "plump", or "tubby" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to describe someone as "podgy"?

It depends on the context and your relationship with the person. It's generally considered more informal and can be seen as insensitive if used in a formal setting or with someone who is sensitive about their weight.

How is "podgy" different from "obese"?

"Podgy" implies a slight amount of excess weight, while "obese" refers to a more significant and unhealthy degree of overweight. "Podgy" is a gentler term than "obese".