# Is "curvy" a euphemism for fat? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [June 1, 2005, 1:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-curvy-a-euphemism-for-fat/306355 "2005-06-01T13:14:03Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![jimpatro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/b9e5f3/32.png) [@jimpatro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jimpatro)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2005, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-curvy-a-euphemism-for-fat/306355/21 "2005-06-01T16:24:53Z")
> [@](#): > > We don’t know either - I have clothes (that fit) in sizes from 8 petite through a 12. However, my male friends clothes are always the same waist and height measurements, no matter where they came from. Actually men’s sizes also vary from label to label. Even within the same label from one year to the next. It’s usually shoulder and chest sizes that vary. And we have to contend with US, Euro and Italian sizing. ---
**Author:** ![kelly5078](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/6f9a4e/32.png) [@kelly5078](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kelly5078)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2005, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-curvy-a-euphemism-for-fat/306355/22 "2005-06-01T16:49:13Z")
Mariah Carey is what I’d call curvy. Or Marilyn Monroe, of course. They’re not my cup of tea, really (give me Uma Thurman), but they’re definitely not fat. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2005, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-curvy-a-euphemism-for-fat/306355/23 "2005-06-01T16:58:01Z")
“Curvy=fat” only in the Bizarro world where “anything not anorexic= fat”. ---
**Author:** ![JohnBckWLD](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/d6d6ee/32.png) [@JohnBckWLD](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnBckWLD)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2005, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-curvy-a-euphemism-for-fat/306355/24 "2005-06-01T17:01:47Z")
> [@badbadrubberpiggy](#): > > With all those choices, what the hell does “other” mean? :eek: The only ones I can think of are [ul][_][Anorexic / bulimic](http://www.weeklyworldnews.com/features/chamber/10960)[_][Jack Diesel / Extra-Cut](http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/billdobbins8abig.jpg)[_][Decapitated](http://www.thomasmichaelcorcoran.com/jar%20head%20matt.jpg), or[_][Hirsute](http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/dp5/patterson.jpg)[/ul] ---
**Author:** ![ShibbOleth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/848f3c/32.png) [@ShibbOleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShibbOleth)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2005, 1:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-curvy-a-euphemism-for-fat/306355/25 "2005-06-02T01:32:41Z")
> [@Misnomer](#): > > I’m a female currently in the midst of the on-line dating thing, with profiles at both [Match.com](http://Match.com) and the Onion personals (SpringStreet). I’m [fat](http://teemingmillions.com/people/cgi/pm.cgi?action=show&temp=display_photos&login=Misnomer). You’re beautiful, dear. **MissBunny** , from [Dictionary.com](http://Dictionary.com): Voluptuous adj 1: having strong sexual appeal; “juicy barmaids”; “a red-hot mama”; “a voluptuous woman” [syn: juicy, luscious, red-hot] 2: (of a woman’s body) having a **large bosom and pleasing curves** ; “Hollywood seems full of curvaceous blondes”; “a curvy young woman in a tight dress” [syn: bosomy, busty, buxom, curvaceous, curvy, full-bosomed, sonsie, sonsy, well-endowed] How the heck did voluptuous become “fat”? Further, it’s much more important how the guys interpret it. (Highlighting and underling are mine above) FWIW, **UrbanChic** , curvy would get me to look at, not avoid, your profile. ---
**Author:** ![Cyros](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a698b9/32.png) [@Cyros](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cyros)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2005, 2:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-curvy-a-euphemism-for-fat/306355/26 "2005-06-02T02:35:28Z")
> [@ShibbOleth](#): > > **MissBunny** , from [Dictionary.com](http://Dictionary.com): > > Voluptuous > adj 1: having strong sexual appeal; **“juicy barmaids”** ; “a red-hot mama”; “a voluptuous woman” [syn: juicy, luscious, red-hot] 2: (of a woman’s body) having a large bosom and pleasing curves; “Hollywood seems full of curvaceous blondes”; “a curvy young woman in a tight dress” [syn: bosomy, busty, buxom, curvaceous, curvy, full-bosomed, sonsie, sonsy, well-endowed] Ooooh, Juicy. I like that. I guess since I’m pregnant, I’m juicy and ripe 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Misnomer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/misnomer/32/14897_2.png) [@Misnomer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Misnomer)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2005, 2:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-curvy-a-euphemism-for-fat/306355/27 "2005-06-02T02:53:54Z")
> [@ShibbOleth](#): > > You’re beautiful, dear. Thank you, darling. ( “dear?” :dubious: 😛 ) But I wasn’t fishing, nor did I mean to imply that I think otherwise: “I’m fat” is merely a fact that is pertinent to the discussion at hand. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![ultrafilter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/3d9bf3/32.png) [@ultrafilter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ultrafilter)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2005, 3:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-curvy-a-euphemism-for-fat/306355/28 "2005-06-02T03:37:14Z")
As a data point, when I was active on Match, I met three women who described themselves as “curvy”. One was carrying a few dozen extra pounds, one was just slightly overweight, and one was not overweight at all. Pictures are better than descriptors any day. ---
**Author:** ![Unregistered\_Bull](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/3da27b/32.png) [@Unregistered\_Bull](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Unregistered_Bull)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2005, 3:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-curvy-a-euphemism-for-fat/306355/29 "2005-06-02T03:54:36Z")
Curvy to me means curves especially in the hip and butt region regardless of weight. Curvy appeals to me. As for the matter of weight in general, even fairly big women can be quite attractive if they carry their weight well and have a pretty face. ---
**Author:** ![Telperien](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/65b543/32.png) [@Telperien](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telperien)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2005, 4:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-curvy-a-euphemism-for-fat/306355/30 "2005-06-02T04:00:07Z")
I would never choose “curvy” to describe myself, because I’m not. “Curvy”, to me, suggests (regardless of size) the classic hourglass figure. She says enviously. I don’t look my weight either (hurray for being a big tall thing) but the weight I do look still isn’t anything to be proud of. I choose either “large” or “full-figured” in personals. Although I’d like a better choice than full-figured, because that, to me, means the same thing as curvy. They need an option for narrow hips and good legs. Heck, I’d even take “kinda freaky-shaped.” 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Monstre](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e274bd/32.png) [@Monstre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monstre)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2005, 4:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-curvy-a-euphemism-for-fat/306355/31 "2005-06-02T04:19:51Z")
[QUOTE=JohnBckWLD] The only ones I can think of are [ul][li][Anorexic / bulimic](http://www.weeklyworldnews.com/features/chamber/10960)[_][Jack Diesel / Extra-Cut](http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/billdobbins8abig.jpg)[_][Decapitated](http://www.thomasmichaelcorcoran.com/jar%20head%20matt.jpg)[/ul][/li][/QUOTE] Hee hee hee… “SWF, Decapitated and Curvy, seeks single male for fun and possible relationship. Likes long walks in the park and romantic candle-lit evenings with soft music and slow, sexy backrubs – and I love giving hea… er… neck… to my man!” ---
**Author:** ![Sage\_Rat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sage_rat/32/399_2.png) [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2005, 5:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-curvy-a-euphemism-for-fat/306355/32 "2005-06-02T05:09:14Z")
[QUOTE=JohnBckWLD] > [@badbadrubberpiggy](#): > > With all those choices, what the hell does “other” mean? The only ones I can think of are [ul][li][Anorexic / bulimic](http://www.weeklyworldnews.com/features/chamber/10960)[/ul][/li][/QUOTE] Indeed. The list is lacking on everything below average and minimizing it down to “slender.” At 6’ and 130 lbs., I generally appreciate “bony.” It does seem to largely go that men will have more of an eye for what is near to them from comparing interests. …outside of Playmates. ---
**Author:** ![LifeOnWry](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/96bed5/32.png) [@LifeOnWry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LifeOnWry)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2005, 5:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-curvy-a-euphemism-for-fat/306355/33 "2005-06-02T05:33:31Z")
> [@missbunny](#): > > I can’t really think of any celebrities who are curvy. > > \ > > I have often described myself as “curvy” and I want it to mean: "not stick-thin, not ‘athletic body,’ but also not huge - just curvy, with boobs and hips but also an actual waist. Not six-pack abs but not 7-months-pregnant-looking either. I would say someone from roughly around sizes 12-18 can be curvy, depending on her shape. I would call Kate Winslet curvy. I’m a curvy size 6, myself. Average in the bosom, but small-waisted and rounded in the rear. ---
**Author:** ![ageless6](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9de053/32.png) [@ageless6](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ageless6)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2005, 10:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-curvy-a-euphemism-for-fat/306355/34 "2005-06-02T10:56:44Z")
In my estimation, Jessica Rabbit is uber curvy. And she can sing! ---
**Author:** ![UrbanChic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/9dc877/32.png) [@UrbanChic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UrbanChic)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2005, 12:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-curvy-a-euphemism-for-fat/306355/35 "2005-06-02T12:54:26Z")
Thanks for the replies. I now don’t know how I would describe myself at all! ---
**Author:** ![ShibbOleth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/848f3c/32.png) [@ShibbOleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShibbOleth)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2005, 1:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-curvy-a-euphemism-for-fat/306355/36 "2005-06-02T13:17:18Z")
**LifeOnWry** you sound scrumptious! > [@UrbanChic](#): > > Thanks for the replies. I now don’t know how I would describe myself at all! Give us pictures, we’ll describe you. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![UrbanChic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/9dc877/32.png) [@UrbanChic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UrbanChic)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2005, 1:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-curvy-a-euphemism-for-fat/306355/37 "2005-06-02T13:21:15Z")
I have no pictures of my bod since I’ve lost weight. I’d feel kind of silly asking someone here at the office to take pictures of me. I hate to put him on the spot, but ultrafilter has seen me in person. Ask him. ---
**Author:** ![missbunny](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/76d3ee/32.png) [@missbunny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/missbunny)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2005, 1:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-curvy-a-euphemism-for-fat/306355/38 "2005-06-02T13:24:31Z")
> [@ShibbOleth](#): > > **MissBunny** , from [Dictionary.com](http://Dictionary.com): > > Voluptuous > adj 1: having strong sexual appeal; “juicy barmaids”; “a red-hot mama”; “a voluptuous woman” [syn: juicy, luscious, red-hot] 2: (of a woman’s body) having a **large bosom and pleasing curves** ; “Hollywood seems full of curvaceous blondes”; “a curvy young woman in a tight dress” [syn: bosomy, busty, buxom, curvaceous, curvy, full-bosomed, sonsie, sonsy, well-endowed] > > How the heck did voluptuous become “fat”? Further, it’s much more important how the guys interpret it. (Highlighting and underling are mine above) From what I’ve seen, voluptuous only means “fat” in personal ads. Not in real life. At least that is how I have always noticed it used: women who call themselves BBW also call themselves voluptuous. Women who merely call themselves curvy usually don’t also call themselves voluptuous. Marilyn Monroe was the “real” voluptuous. She was also curvy. She was definitely not a BBW. ---
**Author:** ![UrbanChic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/9dc877/32.png) [@UrbanChic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UrbanChic)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2005, 1:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-curvy-a-euphemism-for-fat/306355/39 "2005-06-02T13:27:27Z")
I, too, think voluptuous is fatter than curvy. When I think voluptuous I think what’s-her-face from _227_. If you’ve seen the show, you _know_ of whom I’m thinking. ---
**Author:** ![Hey\_It\_s\_That\_Guy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/6f9a4e/32.png) [@Hey\_It\_s\_That\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hey_It_s_That_Guy)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2005, 1:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-curvy-a-euphemism-for-fat/306355/40 "2005-06-02T13:42:08Z")
What is Queen Latifah considered, then? She is a FINE woman. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-curvy-a-euphemism-for-fat/306355.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-curvy-a-euphemism-for-fat/306355.md?page=3)