Fat vs. Chunky — What's the Difference?

Slang for excellent or appealing.

Informal for someone with a solid, hefty build.

Excess bodily weight primarily from adipose tissue.

Sturdy and substantial.

A natural oily substance occurring in animal bodies.

Containing chunks or pieces.

Large in bulk or circumference.

Broad and thick, often used to describe physical objects or build.

Abundance of wealth or resources.

Describing a style of knitwear.

In nutrition, biology, and chemistry, fat usually means any ester of fatty acids, or a mixture of such compounds, most commonly those that occur in living beings or in food.The term often refers specifically to triglycerides (triple esters of glycerol), that are the main components of vegetable oils and of fatty tissue in animals; or, even more narrowly, to triglycerides that are solid or semisolid at room temperature, thus excluding oils. The term may also be used more broadly as a synonym of lipid—any substance of biological relevance, composed of carbon, hydrogen, or oxygen, that is insoluble in water but soluble in non-polar solvents.

Short and thick; stocky.

A natural oily substance occurring in animal bodies, especially when deposited as a layer under the skin or around certain organs

Heavy or bulky; blocky

Any of a group of natural esters of glycerol and various fatty acids, which are solid at room temperature and are the main constituents of animal and vegetable fat

Containing small thick pieces

(of a person or animal) having a large amount of excess flesh

Having chunks.

Large in bulk or circumference

Fat.

Make or become fat

Of a cat: having a large, solid bodyline.

The ester of glycerol and one, two, or three fatty acids.

Alternative form of chunkey.

Any of various soft, solid, or semisolid organic compounds constituting the esters of glycerol and fatty acids and their associated organic groups.

Short and thick.

A mixture of such compounds occurring widely in organic tissue, especially in the adipose tissue of animals and in the seeds, nuts, and fruits of plants.

Like or containing small stick lumps;

Animal tissue containing such substances.

Short and thick; as e.g. having short legs and heavy musculature;

A solidified animal or vegetable oil.

Obesity; corpulence

Unnecessary excess

Having much or too much fat or flesh; plump or obese.

Full of fat or oil; greasy.

Abounding in desirable elements

Fertile or productive; rich

Having an abundance or amplitude; well-stocked

Yielding profit or plenty; lucrative or rewarding

Prosperous; wealthy

Thick; large

Puffed up; swollen

To make or become fat; fatten.

Carrying more fat than usual on one's body; plump; not lean or thin.

Thick; large.

Bulbous; rotund.

Bountiful.

Oily; greasy; unctuous; rich said of food.

(obsolete) Exhibiting the qualities of a fat animal; coarse; heavy; gross; dull; stupid.

Fertile; productive.

Rich; producing a large income; desirable.

Abounding in riches; affluent; fortunate.

Of a character which enables the compositor to make large wages; said of matter containing blank, cuts, or many leads, etc.

(golf) Being a shot in which the ground is struck before the ball.

(theatre) Of a role: significant; major; meaty.

Alternative form of phat

(uncountable) A specialized animal tissue with high lipid content, used for long-term storage of energy: fat tissue.

Such tissue as food: the fatty portion of (or trimmings from) meat cuts.

(countable) A lipid that is solid at room temperature, which fat tissue contains and which is also found in the blood circulation; sometimes, a refined substance chemically resembling such naturally occurring lipids.

That part of an organization deemed wasteful.

(slang) An erection.

(golf) A poorly played shot where the ball is struck by the top part of the club head. (see also thin, shank, toe)

The best or richest productions; the best part.

Work containing much blank, or its equivalent, and therefore profitable to the compositor.

A fat person.

A beef cattle fattened for sale.

(obsolete) A large tub or vessel for water, wine, or other liquids; a cistern.

(obsolete) A dry measure, generally equal to nine bushels.

To become fat; to fatten.

To hit a golf ball with a fat shot.

A large tub, cistern, or vessel; a vat.

A measure of quantity, differing for different commodities.

An oily liquid or greasy substance making up the main bulk of the adipose tissue of animals, and widely distributed in the seeds of plants. See Adipose tissue, under Adipose.

The best or richest productions; the best part; as, to live on the fat of the land.

Work. containing much blank, or its equivalent, and, therefore, profitable to the compositor.

Abounding with fat

Exhibiting the qualities of a fat animal; coarse; heavy; gross; dull; stupid.

Fertile; productive; as, a fat soil; a fat pasture.

Rich; producing a large income; desirable; as, a fat benefice; a fat office; a fat job.

Abounding in riches; affluent; fortunate.

Of a character which enables the compositor to make large wages; - said of matter containing blank, cuts, or many leads, etc.; as, a fat take; a fat page.

To make fat; to fatten; to make plump and fleshy with abundant food; as, to fat fowls or sheep.

To grow fat, plump, and fleshy.

A soft greasy substance occurring in organic tissue and consisting of a mixture of lipids (mostly triglycerides);

A kind of body tissue containing stored fat that serves as a source of energy; adipose tissue also cushions and insulates vital organs;

Excess bodily weight;

Make fat or plump;

Having much flesh (especially fat);

Having a relatively large diameter;

Containing or composed of fat;

Lucrative;

Marked by great fruitfulness;

A chubby body;

'Fat' often has negative societal connotations relating to health and appearance, while 'chunky' is less stigmatized and can even be seen as stylish or endearing in certain contexts.

In fashion, 'chunky' usually refers to bold, thick designs, such as in jewelry or knitwear, suggesting a robust, eye-catching style.

In marketing, 'chunky' is often preferred for its positive connotations of richness and substantial quality, particularly in food and fashion.

Foods that have a thick, uneven texture such as chunky salsa, chunky soups, or chunky peanut butter are typically called 'chunky'.

Yes, 'chunky' can be positive, especially when describing things like fashion or food, where it implies richness and texture.

While it's important for children to understand the term, it's also crucial to teach them about the sensitivity of its use and the importance of respectful language.

Yes, 'fat' can be considered offensive if used derogatorily; sensitivity and context matter greatly.

In the pet industry, 'chunky' may describe a pet’s build, often implying a robust and hearty appearance, which can be viewed positively.

Foods high in natural fats like cheese, meats, and oils are often described as 'fat'.

'Fat' is a more general term that can inaccurately generalize body types, whereas 'chunky' might provide a more specific description focusing on bulk rather than overall body fat.

Unlike 'fat', 'chunky' is rarely if ever used to describe personalities; it's mostly used for physical descriptions.

Alternatives include terms like 'plus-sized', 'heavier', or simply describing someone as having a 'larger frame'.

Cultural factors greatly influence how these terms are perceived and used, with varying levels of acceptability and different connotations across societies.

The health community often uses 'fat' in a clinical sense, focusing on body composition and related health risks or conditions.

Being labeled as 'fat' can have negative psychological impacts, including issues with body image and self-esteem.