Why is FAT considered an insult?

Question

If you call someone tall, short, slim, or muscular its not insulting. Those are all defining words.

So why is "FAT" an insult when its a word that describes you? If you ARE fat, then how can you be insulted by being called fat?

If its "rude" tell my WHY its rude.

Logical answers ONLY.

Answer 1

The term fat has been conditioned into unhealthy and therefore unappealing.

Answer 2

sigh... it is not enough to avoid mirrors... you just have to remind me don't you?

people want to be seen as unique individuals, yet, they feel hurt when they fail to meet conventional standard.  can you understand this paradox?

Answer 3

because nobody wants to be fat.

men would understand better than women because we think more logically; however women would go wild if you call them fat - if not outside, on the inside.

Answer 4

Humans have an innate thing that recognizes attractiveness without us having to even think about it.  In general overweight people do not fit the mold of what we consider attractive.  So the opposite of attractive is obviously something negative.

Answer 5

Because the obese individual is already well aware of their condition and doesn't need others to point it out for him. Being fat is not a desired condition like being slim or muscular. Being tall or short can't really be construed as an insult because they do not pose health and lifestyle risks like obesity does. Ultimately, pointing out someone is living an unhealthy life is nobody's business but that individuals. That is why calling someone fat is rude. Also, "fat" is not the correct term. It is a derogatory word used to insult rather than point out a fact.

Answer 6

Because we live in a world where fat is considered a bad thing, and that larger peopel are unhealthy and lazy. A sfat is seen as such a bad thing then calling someone it is an insult.  

Answer 7

The United States supposedly was a country made for the working classes from Europe, thus a sturdy, muscular frame was admired, while a fat body was looked down upon.  If you were muscular and strong, it meant that you were a hard worker, but if you were fat, it meant that you were a European land lord who was a lassy t**d who exploited people.  In Europe being fat meant you were rich, and it was a sign of "class."  In fact, the reason Henry VIII stuffed himself, was to look fat (I'm serious).

Henry VIII was born a natural athlete; 6'4, I think around 230 lbs, solid muscle and never lifted a weight in his life he was born that way.  However he stuffed himself for years and years until finally, in his 50's, he acquired the fat image we know him by today.  Henry VIII refused to have a portrait made of him until he was fat enough for one, displaying how rich he was.  From an early American cultural point of view, most people in this country would scream at him loudly for ruining a physique even most modern men would kill for.  Like I said, the man was a natural athlete; one of those people born muscular.  However because of messed up ideas of class and wealth, he ruined his physique on purpose.

The United States was founded as an open rebellion against European culture.  For instance, in Europe, if you were born to a certain class, instant respect.  If you wanted respect here, you had to earn it.  In Europe if you were born a noble, instant wealth.  You wanted wealth here, you had to work for it, and so on.  Sadly, in America, the whole concept of "earning respect," although its place is only in a professional context, it was taken into a social one as well, hence the reason why most Americans are turds.

In a professional context absolutely you have to earn respect, so, I agree.  However, not in a social one; that is just arrogant sociopathic bullcrap.

Getting off the tangent; because originally America was envisioned as a land for self-reliant gentleman farmers, the idea of a sturdy and fit frame became the cultural norm again, as open rebellion against European ideas of class at the time.  Whereas in Europe you had to be fat and pale, fat from not doing heavy work, and pale from not being out in the sun, here in America being muscular and tanned was a sign of "prestige."  Again, if you were muscular and tanned, it meant you were a hard worker, not some lazy European lord who exploited people.

Being "fat" is considered an insult the world over now, because even with professional level jobs held in large cities throughout the world, the American idea that "fat" means "lazy," has spread throughout the planet.  Its no longer just an American idea anymore; the whole world thinks that way now.

hope that helps.

Answer 8

Fat, Obese, Overweight. Three words describing almost the same thing with some differences medically and emotionally. I have asked  both men and women which word they prefer and the answer is invariably the same - NONE.

Fat is the rudest and obese the scariest. First has condescending overtones and second is a medically identified body dysfunction. Interestingly to a man, a boy rather, being fat and overweight is only associated with being selected in the dating pool and that stigma goes away past 20's most of the time. Ironically, obesity kills more men than women, but women lead in morbidity i.e. back pain, arthritis, hormonal imbalance etc. To a female, in all ages, its more than that though. The constant peer pressure is something we men may never understand. To a level headed bloke, if friends start teasing or seprating him, he can and does say "F U K you" and move on. Not so much for women. Men go for, subconsciously mostly, for a "FIT" woman. Not stick thin or 36-36-36 either. That is why it carries a bigger stigma for women.

Unfortunately, being overweight is never ever a sign of good health. Though the non-conformist and hard-line feminist movement have fought against societal depiction of ideal woman and done it blindly so. They tend to forget that 80% of time for women and 90% for men, its the choices that we make that puts fat on our body.

So, yes calling somene fat is essentially making them see the reality. And hey, who cares about reality right?

Answer 9

I am kinda fat... But actually i have never been insult yet, I don't think FAT, Slim, thin............. is an insult!?? i don't ever think it is? because how come our physical appearances can become aspersion on us! and it also it defends on our understanding in our self.. For to the insulted already it depends on you on how you think those criticsm but just think IS EATING IS A CRIME????!! LOL........................................  

Answer 10

To be called fat means that the person calling someone fat finds that person undesirable.  It's a cut down, as though the person doesn't know there fat.  It's pointing out the obvious.  It's actually cruel, and you are old enough to know this.  When you call somebody fat, you are in a sense, making fun of them, and it hurts the person, which is usually the point.  It's especially hurtful for women more I think than for men, but I'm sure it's hurtful for them as well.

If you notice some of the ugly comments made here today  like lazy, smelly, etc. you can understand why it's considered offensive and rude to call someone fat...

Answer 11

Well yes, usually when you're fat, you are unhealthy and probably don't take care of your body like you should.  It's insulting because it implies that you are lazy and over indulge yourself.  You could be pampering yourself with food.  I'm not trying to be rude, but this is what people think of when regarding the word "fat".

Answer 12

Well fat is an insult because no one feels good about being over weight...I mean being fat means society doesn't treat you the same way as thin people. Most guys won't look at a woman who appears to be unattractive and fat or old (even mid life) qualify as unattractive. Those other terms tall, short, slim, or muscular don't bring to mind someone unattractive but fat or old does.

Answer 13

Because all those adjectives you listed (with the exception of short which can sometimes be construed as an insult) are traits people traditionally find attractive. They imply health and virility. And we value those things on a biological level.

That's not to say fat men and women can't be attractive (I am one, so I should know), but fat is associated with bad health. It causes very real issues with the heart and body. Biologically speaking, overweight women are less likely to be fertile. And we tire more easily, generally have more trouble reaching o****m, etc, etc...

So the word "fat" carries unspoken connotations with it. Unfortunately, that's just the way it is.

However, I rail against all these people saying fat = lazy. I work very hard at chasing 20 toddlers around every day and go to school when I'm not doing that. I'm also very clean, so smelliness isn't an issue.

I eat too much, that's what makes me fat. But the rest of those statements are just incorrect generalizations.

Answer 14

You're asking for logic where logic doesn't apply.

Whether 'fat' is insulting or a compliment is culturally determined. It used to be insulting to call a woman muscular, too, BTW. There also used to be a phrase "pleasingly plump" which has gone out of fashion.

Expecting logic in such things as fashion, or insults and compliments is misguided.

These days in this society, fat is considered ugly; thus, calling someone fat is insulting. Insulting people is rude.

Answer 15

Our society and culture defines certain words for us... in the media society has defined the word fat as one of negativity... and is much more harsh on woman who can use that word to describe how they look.  The question of who is beautiful is currently being answered by a culture that now values thinness over curves.  So the word is seen as an insult.  Men are increasingly being influenced by this definition as well in looking at themselves and on how they look at women as partners and mates.   It is true for some that caring extra weight is a sign of ill health either in the present time or in the future but that is not always true.  Unfortunately truth is not taken into consideration by culture, society or media.  This "beauty" propaganda is being spoon fed to our youth and in particular females... Sigh... I wish it weren't so but it is.  Generations are growing up with a distorted view of their own body's... which is leading to all kinds of mental and physical problems for the future .

Answer 16

It can be insulting to be called "tall" if you are a woman. Many men don't like women who are more than about 5'8". I used to be told that I would be pretty if I weren't so tall. Unlike with being fat or thin, it's not really anything I can too much about.

Answer 17

Being called short is sometimes insulting as well.  Anything that has a negative connotation to it is insulting.  Did you ever see the original movie of "The Fog"?  There is a part where a lady tells her assistant "you are the only person I know who can make Yes Ma'am sound like F... you."  To which the assistant says "Yes Ma'am".  Its all about intentions.  

Answer 18

It's not that simple. There are so many negative connotations associated with the word. People will often infer that the person is lazy, slovenly, or possesses no self control. There is an implied weakness for individuals who are overweight.

I am very petite, and I am treated differently than an average sized person. The implication is that I am somehow weaker or not as assertive than a 5"6" woman. Fortunately, those preconceived conceptions are shattered after spending a minute or two with me, but it can be tiring to not be taken as seriously as someone who is a normal size.

You must know about stereotypes....

Answer 19

I would guess because it forces one to acknowledge their gluttony and sloth as well as their lack of self control.

Many pretend that their weight is some out of control mystery when in fact ,95% of over weight people simply make themselves that way by having screwed up priorities.

Answer 20

Because it sucks to be fat. Makes you slow and stinky among other things. For a long time people thought it had to be the fat persons fault they are fat. But now we know that isn't always true. We try to discourage it by pointing them out and making fun. Most fat people are lazy that's why they don't like to be called fat. Because it also points out that they are lazy. And lazy is worse than fat.