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Tubby Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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tubby

[ˈtʌbi ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

body shape

The term 'tubby' describes a person or animal that is somewhat overweight or chubby, often implying a round or plump appearance. It is generally used in a light-hearted or affectionate way rather than as an insult. While 'tubby' suggests extra body fat, it does not necessarily indicate severe obesity. The term can be applied to various creatures, including pets, and sometimes even inanimate objects that are rounded in shape.

Synonyms

chubby, fat, plump, rounded.

Examples of usage

  • The tubby cat waddled across the room.
  • He feels a bit tubby after all the holiday treats.
  • The tubby puppy was the cutest of the litter.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'tubby'

The word 'tubby' originated in the early 20th century and is derived from the word 'tub,' which refers to a cylindrical container, often associated with roundness. The transformation of 'tub' into 'tubby' reflects the linguistic tendency to create adjectives that convey a sense of shape or characteristic derived from a noun. It became popular in informal contexts to describe people or animals with a certain degree of roundness. The use of 'tubby' has often carried a playful or endearing connotation, distinguishing it from more negative terms for being overweight. Over the years, 'tubby' has been embraced in various cultural references, including media portrayals of endearing characters or pets, further solidifying its place in colloquial English.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,882, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.