I'm FAT. "no you're not!" Yes, I AM!

kaplods · 05-12-2011, 07:03 PM

I agree with Beach Patrol. I've been criticised for joking about my weight, but I don't see it as any different than anyone joking about their personal attributes or quirks. I DON'T equate fat with with lazy, crazy, or stupid. I don't equate fat with ugliness or even with an obligation to change. I've also used the word fat*** (butt) to refer to my large posterior. I don't use it to bash myself, because I don't see fat as anything deserving of any type of bashing.

My a** IS fat. So are my fingers, my arms, my legs, my feet, my stomach. My head ironically isn't (and I don't just mean that literally). My mom always wanted me in hairstyles that were short, close to the head because it made my face look thinner. I hated it even then, because it made me look like a pinhead (no offense meant to actual pinheads). Full hair gave my face a more proportional look, so as soon as I was fully responsible for my own hair, I wore it in fuller styles, because I hated looking like a football player or like I had a shrunken head.

Being fat can be miserable, but there are funny aspects of it. Self-deprecating humor really only works if you've got real confidence. I can make fun of all or any of my imperfections because I know how truly fabulous I am.

Everyone has an a** and mine just happens to be fat, so I have absolutely no problem with making reference to the actual size of my a** and where said fata** won't fit.

I actually have used the words fat in reference to other people and their fat body parts, (though only with those like myself who don't see it as an insult).

I wouldn't use it as an insult (because it should have no power to insult) and I don't use it with anyone who doesn't KNOW and BELIEVE that it doesn't have to be an insult.

The only way fat will ever become a neutral word is for people to use it neutrally and stop using it as an insult. I use the word as I believe it should be used as often as I can, and explain my reasoning when I do.

Not everyone agrees with me, and people will vote their beliefs with the words they choose to use. I just hope fluffy never becomes the word of choice. It makes me think I need to put some of my hair in a bow or barrette at the top of my head, like a long-haired lap dog.

ryeb · 05-12-2011, 07:12 PM

I tend to use the word "thick" when I am trying to be nice about it.

I know I am fat as well. People get mad at me for "thinking like that" but you know what, it isn't good to be barely 5'3" and 165lbs! I am not one for the BMI chart, but my body fat is around 30% (I think? It was 36%) When I did this thing that told me how much fat I had on my body at 177lbs, I had over 40lbs of fat on my body. That is NOT good! I know we need fat, but not 30% of it.

mypinkpolkadot · 05-12-2011, 07:44 PM

I get referred to as "thick" so often. I guess in todays world that, for the most part, is suppose to be considered a compliment.....I'm not so sure I take it as one. Sure it is better than being called fat I guess. To be honest it's just sugar coating it though. I have been caught referring to myself as "thick" though in moments of not wanting to just be like "yeh, I'm fat" O.O

My boyfriend, being my best friend as well, has to put up with alot of my "i'm fat" conversations. He is a good sport though, and just wants me to be happy, but reassures me he loves me no matter what. Which is really the best thing they can do. There isn't really a "right answer/reply" is there? Just the wrong ones

Nola Celeste · 05-12-2011, 10:42 PM

I like the word "thick" a lot. It's more accurate than "heavy" or "big-boned," it's not twee like "fluffy" or "chubby," and it's not emotionally loaded like "fat" is for many people. If anything, "thick" has positive connotations.

Yeah, I definitely like that one.

krampus · 05-12-2011, 11:18 PM

Meh, everyone has their own ways of dealing with their size/fat/whatever. I'm with Beach Patrol...I'd rather joke about it and lighten the mood, even if it makes other people uncomfortable.

My favorite quote of all time, from Moon Unit Zappa: "I have to make everything funny, otherwise it all seems so sad."

I think of that on those dark days when I'm trying to shove my corn-fed American body into size "XL" shorts at a clothes store here in Japan and they won't go over my hipbones.

Robsia · 05-13-2011, 04:21 PM

Interesting - if you used the word "thick" over here, everyone would assume you meant "stupid". I think the etymology is that your skull is so thick your brain is tiny, or something like that.

But thick definitely = stupid in the UK.

Nola Celeste · 05-13-2011, 05:06 PM

I've heard that usage of it too, as in "thick as a brick," but it's easy to tell in context whether someone means to call me dumb or fat.

jessica2231 · 05-13-2011, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnP

Man perspective -

We can't win.

Woman (girlfriend, mom, wife, whomever) says they're fat. There is no response a guy can give that is safe.

If we say - "Yes you're fat" - she will never forget we said that

If we say - "No you're not" - she will come on three fat chicks and complain

If we say nothing - she will complain that we aren't listening.

WHAT IS A MAN TO DO????

Obviously we pick option two because we don't actually care if she complains as long as we don't have to hear it.

hahhaahahha love it!