# 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:** 3
**Author:** ![bordelond](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bordelond/32/150_2.png) [@bordelond](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bordelond)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2005, 1:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-curvy-a-euphemism-for-fat/306355/41 "2005-06-02T13:51:42Z")
> [@UrbanChic](#): > > 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. Yup … Jackee Harry. ---
**Author:** ![tremorviolet](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e47774/32.png) [@tremorviolet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tremorviolet)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2005, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-curvy-a-euphemism-for-fat/306355/42 "2005-06-02T16:49:22Z")
> [@UrbanChic](#): > > Thanks for the replies. I now don’t know how I would describe myself at all! My opinion: If you’re not significantly overweight, use “about average”. Don’t use “curvy” unless you _are_ built like queen Latifah. Don’t use “a few extra pounds” unless you’re 30-40 pounds overweight. Don’t use “athletic and toned” unless you do work out a lot and have some muscle. Don’t use slender unless you are at your ideal weight or underweight. Online descriptions are like community college grades; everyone knows they’re inflated. And the best idea is to make sure you include a full body shot so you don’t accidently get some guy for whom weight is the deal breaker. You don’t want to waste your time. ---
**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, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-curvy-a-euphemism-for-fat/306355/43 "2005-06-02T16:53:17Z")
> [@UrbanChic](#): > > 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. As we’ve discussed here, adjectives just kinda fall short in this arena because everyone has a slightly different idea of what they mean. It would be best if you could get a picture and post it. ---
**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, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-curvy-a-euphemism-for-fat/306355/44 "2005-06-02T17:01:57Z")
> [@tremorviolet](#): > > Don’t use “curvy” unless you _are_ built like queen Latifah. The thing with that is, Queen Latifah is 5’10 … “curvy” and “voluptuous” don’t sound _quite_ as good when applied to someone who is 5’3. 😉 In general, though, I completely agree with your guidelines. 🙂 ---
**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, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-curvy-a-euphemism-for-fat/306355/45 "2005-06-02T17:10:13Z")
> [@Misnomer](#): > > The thing with that is, Queen Latifah is 5’10 … “curvy” and “voluptuous” don’t sound _quite_ as good when applied to someone who is 5’3. 😉 > > In general, though, I completely agree with your guidelines. 🙂 Sounds way better at 5’3" to me. ---
**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, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-curvy-a-euphemism-for-fat/306355/46 "2005-06-02T17:13:31Z")
Sounds good no matter what to me! I’ll bring the extra-virgin olive oil! ---
**Author:** ![Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bosda_di_chi_of_tricor/32/16845_2.png) [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2005, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-curvy-a-euphemism-for-fat/306355/47 "2005-06-02T17:53:23Z")
> [@Scumpup](#): > > Based on my experiences with on-line dating and personal ads, here is a helpful glossary of a few common terms: > curvy = fat > few extra pounds = fat > voluptuous = fat > zaftig = fat > plump = OMFG!!! fat > social drinker = functioning alcoholic > enjoys long walks = unemployed > likes to party = chemically-addled hosebag > thirtysomething = fiftysomething > unconventional = deeply warped fun-loving & wacky = barking dog Mad & proud of it. ---
**Author:** ![drachillix](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/48db29/32.png) [@drachillix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drachillix)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2005, 11:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-curvy-a-euphemism-for-fat/306355/48 "2005-06-02T23:43:45Z")
> [@Scumpup](#): > > Based on my experiences with on-line dating and personal ads, here is a helpful glossary of a few common terms: > enjoys long walks = unemployed I always heard that as “has no transportation” ---
**Author:** ![UrbanChic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/9dc877/32.png) [@UrbanChic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UrbanChic)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2005, 12:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-curvy-a-euphemism-for-fat/306355/49 "2005-06-03T00:28:41Z")
Oh, my. I took my picture and there’s no way on god’s green earth I’m posting it. I had no clue I was such a whale with such huge thighs! My downstairs bathroom mirror has been lying to me, the bastard. Suddenly, eating has become very overrated… ---
**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 3, 2005, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-curvy-a-euphemism-for-fat/306355/50 "2005-06-03T00:48:00Z")
> [@drachillix](#): > > > [@Scumpup](#): > > > > enjoys long walks = unemployed > > I always heard that as “has no transportation” Your version is right when the person saying it lives in \<_your city here_\>. I always have to watch out for D.C. guys who don’t have cars. 😉 ---
**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 3, 2005, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-curvy-a-euphemism-for-fat/306355/51 "2005-06-03T00:51:02Z")
One of these days I’ll remember to reply to everything at the same time! :smack: > [@Big Bad Voodoo Lou](#): > > Sounds good no matter what to me! I’ll bring the extra-virgin olive oil! Just so long as the oil is the only thing that’s virgin, baby… 😃 That’s the most I’ve ever flirted on this board … I think I might have pulled something… ---
**Author:** ![Pensandfeathers](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/a183cd/32.png) [@Pensandfeathers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pensandfeathers)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2005, 8:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-curvy-a-euphemism-for-fat/306355/52 "2005-06-03T08:13:40Z")
I’m nice looking but nowhere near “perfect.” I have an hourglass figure (pronounced boobs, hips, butt, small waist). I think that falls under curvy. I’m not by any means fat, but I am chubby. I have some pounds to lose but I still look nice and carry my weight well. I don’t have a picture, otherwise I’d post it. I always thought voluptuous described size and curvy described shape. Voluptuous means “Not thin but not fat,” and curvy is having an hourglass or pear shaped body. ---
**Author:** ![irishgirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/8edcca/32.png) [@irishgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/irishgirl)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2005, 11:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-curvy-a-euphemism-for-fat/306355/53 "2005-06-03T11:07:08Z")
See, this is where you run into problems. I could describe myself as “petite” because I’m 5’ tall with a slight frame. I could describe myself as “slim” because I weigh 44kgs. I could describe myself as “curvy” because I have 30E boobs, a 25" waist and 34" hips-more or less hourglass. Not everybody fits into convenient little boxes. ---
**Author:** ![msmith537](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d9b06d/32.png) [@msmith537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msmith537)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2005, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-curvy-a-euphemism-for-fat/306355/54 "2005-06-03T20:08:37Z")
> [@UrbanChic](#): > > So, tell me, are “curvy” and “few extra pounds” euphemisms for fat? Yes…What you want to use is “big breasted with a nice ass” or “athletic build”. ---
**Author:** ![badbadrubberpiggy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/57b2e6/32.png) [@badbadrubberpiggy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/badbadrubberpiggy)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2005, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-curvy-a-euphemism-for-fat/306355/55 "2005-06-03T20:10:37Z")
> [@msmith537](#): > > Yes…What you want to use is “big breasted with a nice ass” I really, really wish that was an ACTUAL choice on dating sites! 😃 It’s accurate, and it doesn’t imply “fat”. ---
**Author:** ![Avarie537](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/48db29/32.png) [@Avarie537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Avarie537)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2005, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-curvy-a-euphemism-for-fat/306355/56 "2005-06-03T20:23:11Z")
> [@irishgirl](#): > > See, this is where you run into problems. > > I could describe myself as “petite” because I’m 5’ tall with a slight frame. > I could describe myself as “slim” because I weigh 44kgs. > I could describe myself as “curvy” because **I have 30E boobs** , a 25" waist and 34" hips-more or less hourglass. > > Not everybody fits into convenient little boxes. :eek: I’m assuming that British and American bra sizing might be a little different, otherwise … wow! Personally, I’m “a few extra pounds.” I carry it well, and no one ever guesses my weight correctly (they’re usually 10 - 20 pounds under). I have nice boobs and a curvaceous booty, but not much of a waist and too much of a belly pooch for my liking. ---
**Author:** ![alice\_in\_wonderland](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alice_in_wonderland/32/176_2.png) [@alice\_in\_wonderland](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alice_in_wonderland)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2005, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-curvy-a-euphemism-for-fat/306355/57 "2005-06-03T20:28:19Z")
I dunno - if I were going to put my profile on a dating site I would probably select “curvy” as a good descriptor, and I’m really not fat (I’m not being a snot - I just know that when skinny/slim chicks go on about “_I’m so FAAAAT_” it’s annoying for everyone within earshot). Anyhow “curvy” seems better than saying “nice T & A”, but I suppose that might be a bit more clear. Dunno. ---
**Author:** ![irishgirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/8edcca/32.png) [@irishgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/irishgirl)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2005, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-curvy-a-euphemism-for-fat/306355/58 "2005-06-03T20:49:34Z")
**Avarie537** , nope. US and UK bra sizes are pretty similar. Depending on the make of bra I’m between a 30DD and a 30F. I measure 25" under my bust and 35" over it. And yes, they’re natural…God just wanted me to look like a comic book character. ---
**Author:** ![Sunspace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunspace/32/1250_2.png) [@Sunspace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunspace)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2005, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-curvy-a-euphemism-for-fat/306355/59 "2005-06-03T20:59:12Z")
:: considers the glorious curvy women in this thread:: So, how _you_ all doin’? 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![akira5822](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/53a042/32.png) [@akira5822](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/akira5822)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2005, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-curvy-a-euphemism-for-fat/306355/60 "2005-06-03T21:06:46Z")
I find that i do not become attracted to a woman unless she’s at least a size 16 so it’s all perception. 🙂 [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-curvy-a-euphemism-for-fat/306355.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-curvy-a-euphemism-for-fat/306355.md?page=4)