Is Being Called Thick A Compliment or…?
Is Being Called Thick A Compliment or…?
Hey guys,
I don’t know about you, but lately I’ve noticed a specific word being mentioned in social media comments. I’m talking about the word thick. Seriously, just scroll through any feed of any Kardashian and you’ll see hundreds of people saying the same thing. “She’s looking so thick!”
A while back, this photo of Rihanna surfaced on Reddit and people went nuts:
Nuts in the sense that people rejoiced over her weight gain, called her “Queen”, “still hot”, and even gave her the name “Thickanna.”
Then it was Hilary Duff’s turn!
“People Are Freaking About These Photos Of Hilary Duff Because She Looks Thick” and “People Have Just Realised Hilary Duff Is Thick And, Honey, They’re Living“.
Twitter was on fire with people commenting on both their figures. Each woman is OBVIOUSLY gorgeous. And the attention was meant to be complimentary. But still…it got me thinking.
The term “thick” typically brings to mind a specific body type. You think of voluptuous curves. You think of big breasts. Large hips. You might also think tiny waist giving a prominent hourglass figure. Yes, that describes a beautiful body. But that’s not the only kind of beautiful body! And it’s not a body type everyone has or can naturally attain. From what I can tell, “thick” in this sense is used as a compliment. It definitely doesn’t have the negative tone of being called “fat”. But still…why are we so obsessed with labeling bodies?
Personally, I want to be told I’m strong. Or healthy. Or a kind person. I want to be inspiring. I want to be powerful. I want to actively work towards always being the best person I can be. I don’t like judgements on bodies. It just feels vain – even if it’s “oh looks like you lost weight”. I am so much more than my body.
But, at the end of the day, words are just words. We’re the ones who give them meaning. But those meanings can and do hurt. What you intend as a compliment might be taken a completely different way. Fat, thick, skinny, tiny, round, flat – please remember these are all superficial labels that really tell you nothing about a person. None of those things define you. They don’t speak to your character or abilities or any of the wonderful things that make you uniquely you.
How do you guys feel about the term “thick”? Is there a specific word you find empowering? Or do you prefer not having any comments based on your body?
151 thoughts on “Is Being Called Thick A Compliment or…?”
There are 151 comments posted by our users.
But, at the end of the day, words are just words. We’re the ones who give them meaning. But those meanings can and do hurt
I think it’s a good thing
As a number of people have said, ‘thick’ means stupid – anyone who doesn’t know that is ignorant or thick. Randomly misspelling it as ‘thicc’ so you can call someone fat (whether you’re a chubby chaser or just want to insult people) doesn’t change that. And now people are even spelling the original way where it clearly means stupid. If you call me thick, I don’t know whether you intend it as some sort of warped compliment or are calling me stupid, and since you’re a random stranger, I’ll naturally assume the latter – which means if you get smacked in the face or at least a tirade of verbal abuse in response, you brought it on yourself. We already have ‘curvy’, ‘curvaceous’, etc. We don’t need idiot Americans ruining more words.
I don’t like being called thick especially by a strange young girl in a store telling me I am sick I don’t think it’s a compliment I think it’s a modern word for fat anyway I don’t like comments about my body in public from strangers
I appreciate you sharing this brief bit of information. This is quite helpful because I’m now writing a blog post about the word “thick” and “thick thighs.” Being curvaceous, I’ve heard the term “thick” before. The term bothers me because, in my opinion, it is excessively sexualized. I believe that it is still a means of evaluating how I appear.
I think that thick and fat are two different things that people get mixed up with people sometimes call me fat just bc I have a little meat on bones like having thighs and curves and boobs, but ima need people to stop labeling body’s that could hurt people in ways that you don’t understand
Yeah, I think it’s an awful meme.
It’s oversexualizing and also objectifying women, furthermore boosting my hatred towards my biological sex.
And get this: I was never anywhere near thick, right now I’m 5’9 and weigh 130lbs or 175cm and 60kg. 60kg seems like much, but it really isn’t, even at this weight I’m close to underweight.
So I mentioned how sexualized the term thick is? Yeah. I have a severe repulsion and fear of sex when it has to do with me, and knowing about “thick” made me starve myself, I lost 10kg (22lbs) because I wanted to be anything but thick.
So yeah, the term ruined my life, bluntly said.
I am your identical height and weight after recovering from an eating disorder. I was as low as 105 pounds before I went into the hospital. I understand exactly what you mean and wish we could all just stop talking about bodies at all. At 130, I feel obese because of society’s pressure, but when I was 105, I was almost dead. People need to just stop talking about bodies in general.
What about guys that get called thick? I was asked at work by a girl “How do I get thick like you??” her tone was very friendly and it didnt sound at all like an insult, but I am still not sure how I feel about it. I was pretty slim/average and then started taking antipsychotics and then gained like 40 lbs because it messed with my metabolism.
I don’t like the term thick. I’m muscular but slender and wear a size 6 (UK) so a size 2 (US) and have had an eating disorder since childhood. There was a time when I was bigger which was when I was unhealthy and I’m considerably smaller now yet people have called me thick to mean I have a muscular build. I don’t like it as it’s used on anyone who’s not rail thin to morbidly obese and reinforces my body dysmorphia. And yes, it objectifies and sexualises women
I feel you sister. I was a double 00/25 now back to a 26 and have boobs again and someone called me thick at work yesterday. It really struck a chord as I used to be a rail and now I’m triggered.
I believe that people who want to not be labelled are just coming up with newer labels. This one was different though, because it actually inspired body positivity, and is more inclusive than most. I always thought I was fat/unfortunate for having a tiny upper body and thicker thighs until this trend became popular. It’s nice, since the term “curvy” was essentially made to make overweight people feel better. IT didn’t get any negative backlash for being a so-called “label”, and #slimthicc does the same to people who are actually in good physical condition, but aren’t emaciated.
Thank you for listening to my TED talk.
THICC is THICC. I agree with this and I don’t agree. Yes, some people are THICC (me), and some people are not THICC. THICC does not mean fat, that’s what I thought. Someone recently called me THICC and I took it offensive, but they said in a good way. So meaning i just have a good body. Be happy with your body, no matter what it looks like, it’s beautiful!
Being thicc is kinda natural like im thick i dont do booty workouts and but ike some thick ppl hv belly fat and im working on love handles and belly fat becuz i want a smaller waist, like my current one aint big but hat’s only porpotion wise. and some thicc ppl dont hv tight asses which is kind of sad for me LMAO
Hott
I was born in London and the slang word “THICK” is an insult in the UK meaning “stupid”, or “thick-headed”
that’s so interesting!!
I’m Arsya i think thic is BEING THIC
I’m a Trans Woman. i am working on feeling body positivity, but when i look in the mirror i see a dad bod. another label. and when i post pics on social media of myself being my truest self, i get called thick and all i can think is they think i’m fat and cant think of a better compliment. i’m sure thats not the real reason, but sometimes my emotional brain overcomes my logical one.
Thank you so much for this short piece of information. I am currently writing a blog post on the use of the word thick and thick thighs so this really helps. I am a curvy woman and I have been called thick before. I don’t like because to me the term is so overly sexualized. I feel like it is still a ways of judging me and my looks.
You hit the nail on the head. It’s not about it being a compliment or not, it’s that I don’t like being objectified and judged for only my body at all.
Being a woman is such a double edged sword man. I just feel so on display and judged and like a piece of meat, and I could imagine it’s even worse if you’re a celebrity. I miss being younger and more unaware of this stuff if you know what I mean.
I have been called thick many times because my body is naturally curvy with a big booty haha 😆 🍑 Recently I have been swimming a lot and people have told me I lost weight that bothers me because it’s kind of sad how you mentioned that with women we are often objectified and devalued or valued more based on how our body looks. I find it kind of offensive when people tell me I lost weight because it makes me feel like I was heavy before. I don’t think that’s a compliment at all.
I don’t mind being called thick maybe because I realize that is something society values and I have it if I’m being completely honest. I have sometimes wished I could be flatter all around because some styles of clothing that I like fit better with that shape! Especially, being a dancer 💃 sometimes I do wish I was lighter on the floor.
Honestly, it’s all about how YOU feel and what makes YOU happy 😃 That’s the most important thing to cultivate in your mind. I feel most happy with my body when I can dance 💃 all night with it and go for long distance swims!
I think it all depends on the context, who is saying it and how the person on the recieving end of the word interprets it. I personally am not a fan of the word. If a girl uses the term to describe another girl I think it’s meant to be a more PC way of describing someone’s weight and figure. If a guy says it about a girl it just sounds gross to me and I feel like there are some sexual connotations added to the word. I think the word can be used as another means to objectify women. This is a very flexible word context wise and some find it offensive while others don’t.
Depends on how it’s said! I knew a mean girl who looked me up and down and said “girl you’re looking thick” and I could tell what she meant by her tone of voice.
But when my friends booty looks killer in a dress I’ll be like “GIRLLL THICKNESS, SNATCHED”
I think it all depends on what society thinks is trendy at the time. I just keep thinking that when Hilary and Rihanna first became celebrities, the trend wasn’t to be curvy. We were still living in a time when thinner was “better”. Now all the sudden it’s trendy to be curvy. I think we do have to stop commenting on each other’s bodies in a superficial way. Some of us will never be stick thin and some of us will never be thick and both are ok. Just let us live our lives in our body that functions. Rihanna is a voice for inclusion and body positivity. Hilary is a philanthropist and activist. Let’s talk about bad ass women like they should be talked about.
Honestly, because the vast majority of us are caught up in the material world, a label is given to absolutely EVERYTHING. And this label often a reflection of what is going on in our own inner world. So this label speaks about the one that speaks it, not the one that receives it. As you said, words are meaningless unless you give them meaning. You cannot stop people from labeling, but you can lead by example! 🙂
Thicc is the same thing too
thick is not anything anyone should take offense of, no it’s imaging someone has big tits it’s only ass. The only reason why people would take it as an offense is because they’re probably a feminist or just plain stupid and don’t know what it means
This has nothing to do with feminism… I wouldn’t like being called thick because it’s the opposite of the body type I’m aiming for. It would mean that my efforts didn’t give me any results.
Thick is a nicer way of saying you are fat
I would feel offended if this were me
Most off the boys at my school said I am one of the thickest with girls!Should I take this as a compliment?
“Western beautystandarts are not toxic” The hell they aren’t. People like you shouldn’t reproduce. And this is because your insecurities and complexes interfere with how you perceive things. Moron.
You and your stupid ass uneducated lingo. Go back to school. So, you are racist to white people only favoring your so called black people. Im not white nor black so dont call me racist. You people of color always bitch and bitch and cocky and ratchet. It is true though.
Who are you even talking to? Don’t be rude. No wonder your a miss and not a mrs.
Racist
I get called thicc all the time an sometimes I wonder if its a good thing or a bad thing???
So my response back to them is hahah ty (Thank You) hoping they aren’t judging my body.
I got called “thicc” at school the other day by one of the boys and I don’t know whether to take it as a compliment or not?? What should I think??
I think that you should take it as a compliment and be as thick as you want! Besides, you might attract more boys…
I do
I’m a man….thick is a compliment
I don’t know when this article was written, but definitely not by a Black, African American person who knows thick, thic, thicc, etc are compliments. Don’t let the European (based in the US, aka white) Beauty Standards get you down. We been saying thick is beautiful since the dawn of human life. Body positivity began with US and really took on new meaning and new heights in the US when the Black is Beautiful Movement in the 1960s defiantly challenged and discarded European (white) Beauty Standards that continued to say we (Black folk) ain’t beautiful. Y’all asking is thick a compliment, hell yes, chile. Know it is. Know you is beautiful. Know you is worthy of love and respect and most important, love yo self.
To the author, you is a silly fool for writing this, haha. A little research would have answered the question. L
Hoping you write a follow up article after researching the Black Power Movement and Black is Beautiful. (But you should have know from birth that this is a compliment. Not that you need complimenting on your body or that kind of validation cuz yo prolly ain’t Black, but a Black Body in the US sho needed it cuz dem whites were strait up saying we ugly, fat, stupid, lazy, etc. Now they want bodies like ours. Look at Kim K. US beauty standards are toxic.)
For some people it isn’t a compliment to be called fat, which litterly means thic. Not everyone wants to be a big fat women instead of a fit and healthy one. That has nothing to do with black and white people. Fat stays fat. Everyone is beautiful but to imply that thic is a compliment is ridiculous. I don’t know a single women who thicks thic is a compliment. It’s just a nicer way to tell someone that he has a fat ass and is unfit. Western beautystandarts are not toxic. We just like beeing healthy instead of fat
I agree with you. Overweight and unhealthy people always get too sensitive and whiny when being called out for not being healthy and they water it down to fat as thick ,ugh.fat is fat.and thick means fat.
I myself are an overweight woman and don’t agree with you AT ALL. See some people can’t help the fact that they are overweight. I myself have astma and have to take multiple medications for it. These imply to my weight and I can’t stop it. To be called ugly, lazy or whiny because of that is just upsetting! I like the term thicc because it makes me feel like I am being respected and like I am being seen as beautiful. If you don’t agree then I’ll respect that but please DON’T call people like me whiny or unhealthy! You can be healthy and a bit overweight cause every body works in a different way! Please do some research before you take conclusions.
What does this has to do with being black ot not ? Thick is a compliment if you want it to be. But if it’s not the body type you’re working out for then it might not seem like a compliment. That’s literally it
Remove the “k” honey it’s just thic. Or if she hella thic put two to thre c’s, anything over three is a q 🙂
all of my friends are skinny and strong and beautiful, and then when they are looking at photos of all of us in bikinis and stuff, they are always like “Calla, you’re so thick and stuff” and i’m like “so you’re calling me fat?” and they they’re all like “no, you’re just thicker than us, but that’s not a bad thing,” but i feel like i’m just being called fat but just in a different way.
Do you have an ig? I will drop you a compliment. Thick, thick, thicc, it is all beautiful. We are genetically designed to love all the thicc.
I prefer not having any comments. Someone once called me this and I was like yeah, I know. Not really knowing wether it was a compliment or not. The the other day I was like “dang why did your hair gel get so thick” and the other girls was like “ why did you get so thick”. But then this other person was like” but that it a compliment” so I got really confused and went to this website. Thanks for telling me that it is mainly used as a compliment!
So, I still didn’t get the point. Is thick a compliment??
Yes
why do y’all care lmfao
wtf let it be
MICEQ 17 Tue
No fat? Says who? Thick means you have a whole lotta ass and thighs with a low WHR. This is common knowledge for black and hispanic folk who created the term.
My boyfriend called me Thick, is that a bad thing?
Only if he doesn’t like that type and was being rude (like said it with a grimace or y’all were in a fight), but naw it’s a compliment. Thick means you got heft in all the right places. Meaty, in a good way. You’re healthy, not fragile. They can play around with you and not worry about breaking you. It’s more of a classic “bombshell” look. Think Mae West, 5’1″ 121lbs 38-24-38 or Jayne Mansfield in 50-60s 40-21-36 or Anna Nicole Smith 41-26-38.
Ur
I’ve dealt with this problem as well. I am 5’2” and 115lbs and my friends are making fun of me and calling me thick. How do you deal with this every day when you look in the mirror and see a fat slob and your actually a regular weight?
You learn to love what you see and remember billions of Ppl on this earth a few are going to appreciate it.. I know i do😉
Anthony, please don’t say stuff like “I know I do”. That is sexual harassment: creepy and disgusting, like Harvey Weinstein.
Dictionary, people! ‘Thick’ as an adjective means ‘idiot’ to anyone who’s conscious lives outside of the internet. It’s associated with its insulting definition way too much for most people to be arbitrarily appropriated into a compliment like this.
Yes, it means that too as well as a description of physical measurement. Both, thick in this article and thick in your reply, are slang terms. I highly suspect you’re very old and white if you have never heard the former usage before. The article use of the slang “thick” is actually more in accordance with its original meaning. Black and Brown people tend to have smaller waists in proportion to bust and hips thus making a more pronounced differentiation. You are “thicker” in those areas and it is appreciated.
True. Thick means overweight and fat and unhealthy. The so called thick dont wanna accept fact that they are not healthy. Period.
To be honest I’m thick and I understand this because I would use to hear a lot of being say “Her body figure is so nice, and thick I wanna be like her.” Even though I took it as a compliment I kinda felt uncomfortable..
Although I can understand the desire of being seen beyond ones appearance, you got to consider that your appearance will be the very first thing that people will ever know about you (if seen in person). For as much as you want to separate yourself from your appearance, it’s still not only a part of you, but does reflect your person in some form.
There is nothing wrong with complimenting someone for their appearance, much like there is nothing wrong to compliment someone for their sense of fashion or character, at the end of the day it’s still a compliment of one of your features.
People tend to be more complicated than to fit in a single lable, but that’s because you’d need a collection of different labels to describe what a person is. 1 single trait may not define you as a whole, but it’s still one of your traits, and that’s what is given the compliment at the moment.
A compliment must not be taken as anything else but as su
A guy I met told me I was not what he was expecting because ppl said I was thick. I told my mom she told me that it was a a compliment to be called thick, but I am just not sure. Is being called thick a compliment or not???
Yes, it’s a compliment.
what does it really mean?
I believe it’s used as a way to call someone full and proportional; kind of like how someone can have fuller hair then someone else? I personally think its a way of complementing your body’s proportions (bigger or smaller). At least thats what I’ve gathered.
fat
Thats true.
I’m not thicc yet everyone keeps saying I am. and it really hurts my feelings when people call me thicc tbh. I’m fat and not skinny and perfect like everyone else. This girl on here is complaining because she’s thicc. Like she’s bragging 🙄 stfu no offense
Who made the rule that skinny is pretty? People will have their preferences, but a skeleton is not any more healthy than a flesh bag. As far as health is concerned it’d be best to be somewhere on the middle, but regardless of which side of the scale you lean on, there is always someone who might find you attractive. Thing is, are you fine with yourself? And if not, why?
I don’t like the word thicc it makes me feel even more fat when people call me it 😢
i’m thick but now all my friends are calling me thick,
i’m okay with my boyfriend Alex but not everyone in the school.
My friends that are male are making it a big deal, and calling me thick every single second,
yeah I have a big ass and a round chest but still!
My boyfriend is getting really jealous.
geez I’ve taken the pp multiple time and they said “i’m lookin thick” so I think this is good if you want the pp of daddy. Btw not native language of english…
Today one of my “friend boys” said one of his friends called me thick because I was wearing leggings. I honestly don’t know if it was a compliment or being fat? I’m Latina and white btw.
I have been called thick many times. Im quit sure how to take it, since im not happy with how my body is.
thick is being big but not having mostly muscle no fat and round
No fat? Says who? Thick means you have a whole lotta ass and thighs with a low WHR. This is common knowledge for black and hispanic folk who created the term.
That^
I was called thicc by these guys at my school but it didn’t make me feel good about myself I felt like they were calling me fat even though the boys meant it as a compliment.
Where are their parents????
I work hard for my abs and now my waist look leaner. It creates a very significant hourglass shape when compared to my not-so-tiny leg.
Then people started to put their focus on my legs, and butt, because they look bigger than before (since my upper body look smaller).
“Are you gaining weight? You look so fat,” while looking to my lower body part.
Oh gosh, really. No matter how hard you train, you’ll just never win those body labeling things. The only way to achieve your victory is:
believe in yourself and give your best when you train, so you can be a healthier, stronger person.
I struggle with my body image and I am always comparing myself to others. My biggest problem is growing up I had a mom who would be very critical of my weight and make comments that are negative. I got pregnant lady year and my husband was afraid I’d be down on myself because of course I was gonna gain weight. But I loved it-that didn’t focus on my weight at all -it was wonderful. Now since January when my baby was three months old I started exercising more and trying to eat better which was great-i lost ten pounds. Bit last couple of weeks I have plateaued and it’s really gotten me down. Part of the issue is we have alot of events planned for over summer so alot of eating out. Trying to reignite the fire from January. Love reading your posts because I feel like I’m not alone and helps keep me motivated. Thanks for your effort to help motivate others and you are absolutely beautiful.If you head on up to Toronto I’d def come see youb
some girls are thick some girls are thin some short some tall some hourglass some pear some apple some slim some muscular some soft some round some straight they all pretty lol who gives a
and some don’t fit into any category at all who cares we still rock
I personally really struggle with body image. I am 17 and seeing girls at school who look absolutely amazing in tight fitting jeans while I am trying to hide my fat thighs is the most discouraging thing.
“Badass” always makes me feel more confident. Best compliment I could ever receive… if anyone wants to tell me that yet.
You’re a badass, queen! 🙌🏼👑
Different term, but I feel like its in the same vein. A few weeks ago at a family event a cousin greeted me with “Wow! Look at you skinny little thing!” She was so thrilled about it and clearly meant it as a compliment, but honestly it’s been bothering me ever since. I’m a professional equestrian and I don’t know if this is at all common knowledge but there is so much pressure to be thin and look a certain way in the sport. Feel like its a similar situation to high level dancers; we are under so much pressure to have our bodies perform a certain way, but at the same time LOOK a certain way too. Anyway, I have battled with body image issues and eating disorders since high school because of it and I have finally gotten to a place where I feel good about my body, I feel strong, capable, even beautiful for the first time I can remember, and her comment flung me back to such a negative place. Yes, I’ve slimmed down recently, but that happened because I was able to advance in my sport and needed to be stronger!
I really thing we need to stop labeling bodies and talk about people in more meaningful ways. I know these types of terms are often intended as a compliment and “thick” has even been praised as “body positive”. If that helps you accept and love the body you have that’s awesome! But I don’t think we should ever assume body labeling comments will be interpreted the way we intend them.
I feel like if you have never heard the term thick then you don’t have any black friends. LOL I’m 29 but when I was in high school I was always praised for being thick. Its a compliment.
When I first heard the word ‘Thicc”, my bridesmaid commented “EXTRA THICC!” on my Civil Ceremony photo on Instagram.
I figured it was a meme, I looked it up and saw Aku from Samurai Jack yelling it into a phone.
My grandma has been commenting on my “butt being too big” every day for the 10 days I saw her before my Civil Ceremony “Your butt will burst out of your dress” “that hot cocoa will go straight to your big fat butt” She also has a hearing problem, so she would talk about my butt in public places with a loud voice. Of course I told her to stop, but grandparents have a mind of their own.
My husband’s sister told me to “suck in my tummy” when we were taking photos. Throughout the day, I heard other guest telling me I look beautiful, but see her walk by and say “SHE’S GORGEOUS” (she’s really is super nice, she paid for our flowers).
I’ve noticed a change in my appearance since the first time I met my husband to now. So I felt self conscious because I know my weight gain wasn’t healthy and my family had no problem pointing it out during a special time. So being called “EXTRA THICC” sounded pretty bad to me.
I replied “SHUUSH.” And from that, she must’ve known I was upset because she texted me saying “Thicc is a good thing!” “IT’S A COMPLIMENT! LIKE SLANG FOR NICE CURVES!” “REMEMBER BOOTYLICIOUS?!” “PLEASE DON’T THINK I CALLED YOU FAT!” “I luv you… *teaful emoji*”. etc.
I know she meant no harm. But after hearing about my weight gain in what felt like a negative way for 10 days straight, it just didn’t sit right with me.
I gotta admit, the Aku scene ordering “extra thicc” henchmen is pretty funny.
I am not sure what you mean by “glorified in different countries.” This
term is home grown in the U.S. of A… You have just come across a “new”
term to you, that has always been said among Blacks and Latino’s in
this very country. It is being said to this very day. This has nothing
to with a certain body type being glorified in another country. This has
to do with a body type and term that has always been idealized among a
community of people in this very country,across regions, from way back.
No need to reference other borders as if this weren’t an “American”
thing. P.S. The person speaking about “Slim Thick” in a below comment,
is also referencing a term regarded highly in the same communities, and
from what I have seen, a very common occurrence among the Black/Latino
people.
As a french woman, being called thick would hurt me. I don’t know if it is because of the French society, but this word sounds negative because, as someone said earlier, it is the opposite of thin. And I feel like girls need to be skinny but with large hips and big boobs in everyone’s head to have the “perfect body”. It’s kinda impossible for my body type so I had confidence issues for a long time. But now, I begin to accept the way I am thanks to the Blogilates Community ; we worth so much more than body judgements, and it is by working everyday to be the best version of ourselves (body and mind) that we are destroying these superficial perfections. The perfection we should want to reach is confidence and this is by accepting and loving our unique bodies we will reach it.
Personally, I think the best compliment people can do is “beautiful” because it doesn’t mean you’re too much or not enough something. Being called fit or strong is also a compliment to me because it means my work on myself is seen and I’m proud of the journey I make.
I’ve heard “thick” being used since I was a kid. There were very few black people around so the word, for us at least, didn’t have black origins. It was used as a nice way of saying someone had weight but wasn’t fat. They weren’t fat or chubby but they weren’t skinny either. They were thick. This could have described any number of females from someone who was muscular (and the muscle prevented her from being a size 0) to someone who had some extra weight (the compact kind, not the jiggly kind).
From the way I heard it used and the way I use it, it was neither a compliment nor an insult. It was merely an observation said in a way that was designed not to insult.
I don’t think we’re obsessed with labeling bodies so much as pointing out something that we can see. We can’t see someone walking down the street and say they look so kind or intelligent because we have no idea what their personality is like. We use our eyes to get a sense of someone because it’s our number one sense that we rely on. We can’t go over and start touching people or sniffing or, worse, tasting them so that leaves our ears and people aren’t going to tell you their life stories right off the bat. We have to rely on what we can see and that means we see the body.
Most people I can’t tell if they’re looking strong unless they contract their muscles and most people don’t do that. Even confidence doesn’t shine through for most people. Impressions are usually wrong and people can lie, but the way a person’s body looks is hard to disguise (especially when their clothes are so revealing like they are these days).
Until we grow an extra sense that works better than our eyes, I think we’ll always be looking at people’s bodies and commenting on them. That doesn’t mean it’s an insult or a compliment though. They can always just be observations.
If I were to be called thick a few years ago, I probably would have shut myself in my room and cried. Now, I have a much more relaxed approach (hey, I’m a girl, I got curves, and that’s okay!), but I still feel a little insecure about being called thick. It just brings up a really traumatic part of my past that I couldn’t ever imagine myself returning towards.
Cassie,
You are strong, healthy, kind, and so incredibly inspiring!
When people say “thick” I don’t think they mean to judge. I think they say it to make girls with a little more weight feel beautiful weather thats big or small.
I think that the new trend of “thick” is meant to make “thicker” women feel good about their bodies, and not meant as a insult at all. For so long people that are thinner or have a skinner body type have been seen as the “perfect body.” I believe that healthy is beautiful! But I just think that people that are calling others “thick” are not trying to be judgmental at all, just trying to let them know that they beautiful even still.
The only thing I like said about my body is that it looks healthy and strong.
instead of being called thick, skinny etc I would love to haer other compliments such as you are glowing, you look happy, something whih is a complimnt but without labelling certain things
On one hand, I get that we shouldn’t be so hyper focused on women’s bodies like we are, but on the other, I love being called thick. In the community I grew up in, the ideal body was very skinny with slim hips, but I’ve always put weight on easy, and as soon as I hit puberty, I grew wide hips and thick thighs. That, in addition to seeing skinny bodies on every red carpet, runway, and magazine cover, and a judge mental mom, made me hate my body for a long time. I thought my body was disgusting, I’d be called thunder thighs by other kids, I had a really unhealthy relationship with food, and I remember staying up late looking for miracle weight loss pills on the internet.
But in the past few years, since thick bodies have become more mainstream popular, my self esteem really started to grow. Just seeing heavier, curvier women and seeing them celebrated really helped. My girlfriend loves my thick thighs and always tells me. It makes me feel so sexy which I never did before.
Aww that is so good to hear!!
I’ve been called thick all my life. Or, like my husband like to say: “My god, you’re thicker than a Snicker!” This is definitely a nice compliment! You can’t help how you are shaped, and, fortunately, most people I hang with do not obsess over being skinny or not eating certain things, which is pretty nice. No one is judging me for having a little bit in the middle or having big breasts or butt or thighs, other than to say I look nice. You can look nice without being model thin! But honestly, as long as I am healthy, fit, intelligent, and show kindness to my body, then I feel like I am not less than someone who is smaller or larger than I am.
Aww! Thicker than a snicker! That is cute!
Haha I was going to bring up that thicker than a snicker!
I’ve been skinny all my live. I’m 36 and I remember when boys starting calling girls “thick” back in junior high ( do the math, that was a while ago). I was like “great” I guess I’ll never be thick, lol! I’m ok with that. I love me and so does my husband. I have enjoyed my child bearing curves that I have obtained over the years but I’m no thickums.
I’ve always found it extremely annoying when adults refer to other adults body shape. Like, who cares and mind your own business. I’ve had supervisors in the work environment say things like, ” I bet you’re always cold, you’re so d@$& skinny”. Now imagine had I said the opposite. It’s hurtful both ways and it’s rude. Because I’m skinny people seem to think they can say whatever, but they would never say those same things to a larger person.
Of course you’re going to notice when/if a person looses or gains weight. But to make an entire article about it like some of these blogs do is ridiculous. We are so body obsessed these days, it’s annoying.
I totally agree! So many people think its okay to point out how small someone is as long as its not fat, but it goes both ways.
This word has always made me laugh as in the UK it means stupid, e.g. thick-skulled
It does here in the US too. I’m having a hard time understanding this term as a compliment!
Maybe listen to “Baby Got Back” again? 🙂 The song is a man leering at a woman, but it’s clear what he appreciates
I’m not confused as to the intended compliment, but in my mind thick means stupid, that is the part I’m having a hard time with. And, I’d rather not listen to songs such as those.
Ok can I drop something real quick so I get confused to being called thick like my legs are big or is my cherries or butt I guess it’s normal but I find it hard to believe it is offensive and it is like a compliment because I never liked no one to be labeling words at their words and I think it’s rude for me in my opinion and I was extremely confusing cause i was gonna either say thank you and move on or just take this seriously. When I started doing weights I feel insecure and now I’m focusing on my Pilates and body image exercise where you have to say things you love yourself about the body and have a hard time with knowing what to say when someone label me this word because words blind reaction for me honestly and maybe I should be the one to tell someone to her face and say “ ok that’s offensive and second one we should have a chat when no one’s around cause that sounds embarrassing but I don’t get to say something cause im not good communicating feedback so maybe I’ll learn. I believe im body shamed and maybe I shouldn’t let people take this word only if it’s a good way but other than that that is not how I want to live my life. I feel like people should accept themselves but no one’s that you don’t know because words hurt even whe;you’re loving yourself. Also no mean comments plz that is how I feel
Also that part I said about thick was supposed to be a compliment not personal but I feel like I get labeled rather than being judged and I wish I am not like any coward but they’re afraid they won’t believe so I was going to use my words but they won’t believe that I’m thick because of my legs and I’ve been insecure about them since I started working out because I called one all the time. I think it is offensive for me but when I say it back about how bad it is they think I’m being defensive. So I feel like people need to learn to accept what they like and not labeling us for being what we are those people will never learn. They need to accept the part that it is genetics and we love them and let them be without ruining our body image. I will not let anyone talk about my body because it makes me sad to think they are fat and blinding the truth on me so I want to be the first to know cause I don’t understand all that stuff about talking good or bad about body
I love/hate when ppl comment on my body. I mean, growing up I was very large due to medical conditions. And I’ve lost a big chunk of that weight tho not all I want to get rid of. I find ppl who don’t see me on a day to day basis forget I’m not that size any more and often tell me I look like I’ve lost weight. My response is to always tell them – ‘I haven’t, I’ve put it on’ even if I haven’t. Its like a knee jerk reaction. I like the attention and get embarrassed/feel ashamed they are looking at me that way at the same time.
Being “thick” is an empowering statement; it a term that was developed within communities of color. Thickness goes against the notion that european beauty is the highest standard of beauty, which (until recently, due to all of the cultural appropriation running rampage in the media – a la the Kardashians) did not value curves. Look up Saartjie Baartman’s background as an example… By calling yourself thick, you are embracing your full thighs, round hips, and bubble butt instead of wishing it were all gone for a more waif appearance. Thickness allows for an appreciation for your body type regardless of your weight.
There is so much truth in this comment. I agree 100%.
To add, many women of color are not naturally built to be so slim and narrow. I think it’s really important to accept yourself as “thick”, curvy, juicy, plump, and whatever else BEFORE you start your journey towards health and fitness. It helps to prevent the constant comparison to someone who may be thinner naturally. And it helps you to see your own potential and greatness as you stay thick and get toned.
This is a great topic to bring up, Cassey! While many might find it a term that could be seen as a compliment, I find it hurtful. I still don’t understand why people feel the need to comment on women’s bodies in general. I have been called thick before and to me, it is hard to remind myself that it isn’t just the opposite of thin, even though that is what my brain immediately jumps to. It is a matter of personal preference, but when someone called me thick, I just wanted to hide. Why would you comment on my body at all? If i am trying to become healthier and people support me by saying, “you are looking strong/healthy/fierce/beautiful” this is one thing, but an unsolicited “you thick” by another lady felt like an attack. I don’t know, I just find it offensive! Interesting to see the different perspectives though
I’ve had bros obsess over how hot a woman is by saying “She thicc 😍😍”. I’m curious, how would you feel if your partner obsessed over your amazing thick legs like that? If the word itself is still upsetting, would “you hella voluptuous and strong girl” be a better phrase?
Great question! I guess if he knew I was self conscious about the size of my legs, but made sure I knew it was a compliment, it would be great to hear. It can be very situational – thanks for pointing this out!
Also that part I said about thick was supposed to be a compliment not personal but I feel like I get labeled rather than being judged and I wish I am not like any coward but they’re afraid they won’t believe so I was going to use my words but they won’t believe that I’m thick because of my legs and I’ve been insecure about them since I started working out because I called one all the time. I think it is offensive for me that I’m still doing affirmations and doing Pilates and yoga to feel confident,strong,beautiful and glowing inside and out but when I say it back about how bad it is they think I’m being defensive. So I feel like people need to learn not to be obsessive about they’re like like why would even tell me I’m thick for being fat, those people will never learn. They need to accept the part that it is genetics and we should love them but it’s seems I’m wrong they should be talking to anything else but the body and respect that and let them be without ruining our body image. I will not let anyone talk about my body just I’m just a normal person and healthy doesn’t mean I have a big ass or cherries or thick thighs it is not a compliment it is offensive yet hurtful. But now i learned that I need to come out of the shell and use my words and put myself out there cause it will abuse my limits. So without haters I learn to love myself and my body but when it’s people I feel off and unsafe with my bodies so I’ll probably let them know I can be friends with you but for the fresh year let’s not talk about the bodies and anything beauty just live normal as it is cause like I said don’t let the word thick fool you
Please look up African American Vernacular English(AAVE)/Ebonics. The term thick has been used for decades among the African American community and it is viewed as a compliment. Like Jenya mentioned, to non black women who are curvy (large bottom, hips, & bust) it can cause women to accept their curves. Essentially it is a culture/dialect thing, but because it has entered mainstream culture there are people who do not understand this and often misuse it.
As many other have said “thick” is not a new term. Just new to non-blacks. Congrats on finally catching on. haha. For US, it’s a compliment and a positive branding of weight gain. You’re welcome to take offense to it though, lol. Either way, it’s still very much a black colloquialism… so you’re opinion on its positivity or negativity as an outsider is…well.. irrelevant.
Yeah, I’m a little surprised that she’d never encountered it before
I was just talking about this with a friend the other day! As a few commenters (Danielle in particular) pointed out, “thick” isn’t a particulary new thing. Being neither black nor from an English-speaking country I only came across this term in the last few years and let me tell you, for me it has been very empowering. I live in Germany but am from a russian family and it seems that for russian women stick-thin only with big boobs is the ideal body – one I could never attain. I’m short, with a big ass, big bust, wide hips and thick thighs and growing up this caused me a lot of pain – the thought that my body would never be enough. But finding out that there’s actually a huge amount of people for whom having a body like mine isn’t only okay – it may even be ideal had a huge impact on the way I view myself.
Of course being “thick” isn’t better than being “skinny” or “muscular” or whatever it is that becomes the new “ideal”. The way certain body types get glorified is a huge problem – but for me finding the term “thick” and all that comes with it has certainly had a huge impact on my self-esteem. Now instead of wishing to hide my curves I enjoy flaunting them – so to answer the question yes, to me being called “thick” is a compliment.
I am so glad you find “thick” empowering! Words have such a big impact on our self esteem.
In the black community it’s definitely a compliment. It’s an idea that’s been around for a long time (it’s not a new trend, it’s just getting more attention). My sister was very skinny growing up and she always wanted to be bigger. She wanted to be thick. I’m Jamaican and in Jamaica being thick is much more appreciated and sought after than being skinny or muscular. Lots of men, black men in particular, like women who have some fat on them, especially in the thigh and breast area. As I said before, this is not new, it’s been around for the longest time and it’s only getting mainstream acknowledgement due to Rihanna.
As a black woman ‘thick’ is never an insult, but a compliment. It’s the ‘ideal’ form for black women. Our version of hour glass. I think what a lot of people don’t realize is that it’s a very natural shape for us. It’s not unrealistic if you’re black. The same way that having super dark hair naturally isn’t unrealistic if you’re of Asian descent.
Same in the Latin/Hispanic community! It was always the ideal to have the big booty and thick thighs. I am white, but my best friends are Mexican and Puerto Rican and they always made me feel so much better when they told me not to worry when my brothers called me “thunder thighs” because in their communities, it is beautiful. And that’s why growing up I never had as many body issues as other girls because I knew early on that what one group of people thought was ugly, another thought was amazing! As they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Yes! In the hispanic community (Puerto Rican here) having a healthy body is ideal. Having more fat/muscle is a good thing because it shows you eat well and take care of yourself. Being skinny to us means you are starving yourself or some other negative thing, which isn’t great either, but shows where we are coming from. It was always so odd to me that everyone always wanted to be super skinny because it was counter cultural to me.
It’s so interesting how different body types are glorified in different countries. I wonder if body type glorification has changed over the ages in each country? I know it’s changed in the US.
I am not sure what you mean by “glorified in different countries.” This term is home grown in the U.S. of A… You have just come across a “new” term to you, that has always been said among Blacks and Latino’s in this very country. It is being said to this very day. This has nothing to with a certain body type being glorified in another country. This has to do with a body type and term that has always been idealized among a community of people in this very country,across regions, from way back. No need to reference other borders as if this weren’t an “American” thing. P.S. The person speaking about “Slim Thick” in a below comment, is also referencing a term regarded highly in the same communities, and from what I have seen, a very common occurrence among the Black/Latino people.
I personally think that being called thick is fine its just complemementing your body, and what is wrong with that
I’ve just read an article called “slim thick”, it talks about this new body type that is unachievable for most women, unless you don’t have surgery and a lot of money. The new trend is slim but with big butt and large hips, flat abs but big breast. This is unreal and makes women think there’s something wrong with them when actually it’s the trend which is absurd. We need to remind ourselves there’s nothing wrong with human anatomy! We can’t blame ourselves for not being able to look like fake instagram stars.
Can you link the article? Sounds interesting!
It’s not unattainable. I’m a black Cuban and MOST if not all my relatives look exactly like that.
When the no curves waif/model look was in, that’s a look that applies more to white and Asian people in my personal experience, bc that look comes more naturally- it’s not achievable for everyone but literally everyone I grew up around had a tiny waist, a big butt and breasts.
It irks me bc the other day in the gym two women came up to me implying I “bought” my body. They wouldn’t leave me alone about it! So incredibly rude.
In black/Latin communities here in the americas, that body is what our ideal is and what many of us naturally look like. Me- lol I took a little work bc I was always self concious for being “too skinny”. I squatted and lunged my way into **my**perfect ideal body and love myself- both the way I look and the way I feel-now! My ideal doesn’t have to be anyone else’s, but I never cared for the skinny look and I’m happy other cultures are catching up to the idea that womanly curves are GREAT!
But to call brown and black women’s natural bodaciousness as “unrealistic”?! “Unnatural”?! “Unacheivable except by surgery”?!
Maybe for YOUR ethnicities or cultures- but not for ours.
I reject that viewpoint: it’s totally written with a Eurocentric lens and implies that what is true for Euro-Americans must be unequivocally true for all of us.
That is absoulutely NOT the case.
It’s just a stupid new trend meant to make women feel insecure, (what isn’t?) . Every decade has a different “ideal Boyd”. stick thin, curvy, strong, thick, whatever. I’m tired of trying to fit in to any of them. I am “thick”, without a defined hourglass waist. I am what I am, and my focus has become to just accept it. My mother no fault to her, is obsessed with her weight and has yoyo dieted my whole life, watching her and her misery with her body, and being aware of my same mentality has made me tired. I’m tired of trying to fit into societies mould of something I may never be. To that – thick, thin, who cares. Take care of your body, learn to love it, Learn to take care of yourself.
I don’t really like compliments on somebody’s body unless it’s something like you’re beautiful, or you’re looking really good! Instead of commenting on the body saying you’re looking skinny, or you’re looking thick, or you’re looking curvy, etc etc! Instead of those facts, why not say a positive attribute like beautiful or vibrant you know? 🙂
Maybe cause terms like “beautiful” and “great” are just general comments that don’t mean much in themselves? Sometimes one just wants to comment on a specific thing and just express what one feels through the tone it’s said. “Thicc” might not be the best compliment in the world, but it still is one.
Also, why does physical traits need to be seen as negative? Do you hate your own body or something?
I came across the word “thick” in the comments under one of “Fitness Blender” workout videos about half a year ago. The comment related to the way Kelly’s body looked and it gathered quite a number of likes. As a non-native English speaker I didn’t fully get the meaning of the word at first, but being a linguist by profession I was able to figure it out. And just like you, Cassey, I wasn’t quite sure how I felt about this term… Though “thick bodies” are obviously in trend now, I dislike the word more than like it. Probably because I personally prefer a more “fragile” look for myself (my idea of a perfect body).
As an African American woman I find being called thick a term of endearment. I agree that you’re more than your body but I love my body and my body is a part of me. So naturally I want it to fit a mold/label I’m comfortable with. I used to be small with no curves all the way until my senior year in college but once I graduated my body changed how it was effected when I worked out and my butt and lower body just kinda got thick lol. Needless to say I was happy and I’ve been blessed with where the fat stores in my body. I think it varies across cultures tho. And also biologically the hour glass figure is preferred due to the child bearing hips and all that. There’s nothing wrong with vanity and wanting your body to look a certain way- in my opinion. I’m living one life and my life is for me so I want to look a certain way while I’m living. I’d be offended if someone told me I wasn’t thick though… but again I think it’s cultural. As long as YOURE happy with YOU then you’re beautiful.
I think in today’s world, anyone can be considered “thick” as a positive thing- but it doesn’t always have to be in body size! Someone can be “thick” with personality, or “thick” with ambition and goals. “Thick” was made to be a positive compliment to accept our bodies in any way they came: your cellulite, the little rolls you get when you sit down, that wrinkle next to your eye when you smile. All of those we can love and embrace. But it doesn’t always have to be about your body. Maybe you were “thick” with your emotions when you took that mental health day. Or maybe you have such a “thick” idea that’s ready to burst and go onto a piece of paper. Either or, thick is used to help celebrate our natural selves in any way: spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically!
I suppose being called “thick” can be considered a compliment. I don’t think I have ever been referred to in that manner. While I am not particularly thin, I am not voluptuous in the manner of having a really curvy hourglass figure. I would rather be described as being kind, a good listener, friendly, etc. I’m not sure if I were called “thick” would bother me.
I’m an African American girl and I hate it when someone says I’m thick. And immediately I think I have fat. I don’t want to be called thick.
Thick is also a comment on girls who lift and earned their asses. You can gain muscle in the booty. For girls who feel like they earned that muscle, it’s definitely a compliment. You workout because of Cassey. The butt can only have a layer of fat with the rest of it being muscle.
Less judgement on female bodies and the more infuriating part is females are perpetuating the behavior. Talk about your friend’s goals first always before you comment on her body even if there has been a change
To ME “Thick” is an endearing term. I am African American woman, and growing hearing that word used meant the woman was looking good (not that other body types don’t look good). I never correlated thick with being fat or overweight.
Honestly the term “thick” doesn’t bother me at all, and I most certainly don’t find it offensive. Here’s why. I am an African American woman and genetically I’m going to be more voluptuous in certain areas of my body than most women. Growing up I was really self conscious about this fact, but having both males and females of the same race praise my body by telling me I was “thick” rather than “fat” was a super empowering thing, and it was never intended sexually. However, I do think that this term has been taken overboard or out of context many times, and most certainly more often today than not, but I still don’t find it to be offensive or demeaning in any way. Is it a compliment? I totally think that depends on the person, the context in which the term is used, and the overall situation. All body types are beautiful and while I definitely wouldn’t want some stranger labeling my body as “thick”, I honestly wouldn’t be bothered to hear my close families, friends, and significant other tell me I was thick, because I do find it empowering to know that the areas where I am more voluptuous (which honestly are the areas I am most insecure about) are the areas that people who really care about me really do appreciate the uniqueness of MY BODY TYPE. But again, this term impacts everyone differently, and that’s not a bad thing at all. So while I do find empowerment in being told I’m “thick” by close people in my life, if it was a stranger or someone I barely knew, please use other words such as strong, healthy, hydrated, and confident. 😊
Kimora, thanks for your input! It is so nice to hear from people of all cultures and backgrounds explaining how “thick” makes them feel.
“Thick” used as an adjective means stupid. And when you think of the word, “thick”, it doesn’t bring any positive images to mind! I think being described as STRONG, confident and happy(!!!) are much more effective and empowering than “thick”! And you’ve taught us that, Cassey! <3