chubby
UK: ˈtʃʌbi | US: ˈtʃʌbi
adj. slightly fat in a way that looks soft and rounded (often used affectionately)
chubby = chub<short, thick fish> + y<adjective suffix>
- chub: Refers to a type of freshwater fish (e.g., Leuciscus cephalus) known for its plump, rounded body. The word "chub" itself likely originated from Middle English chubbe, possibly imitative of the fish’s shape.
- -y: A common English suffix forming adjectives, meaning "characterized by" or "resembling."
Etymology Origin:
The word "chubby" emerged in the late 16th century, derived from the noun "chub" (the fish) + the adjectival suffix "-y." The connection lies in the visual similarity between the fish’s rounded body and the soft, plump appearance of a person described as "chubby." Over time, the term gained an affectionate connotation, often used to describe children or pets with a cute, rounded physique.
The baby’s chubby cheeks made everyone smile.
She pinched her brother’s chubby fingers playfully.
The puppy’s chubby belly wobbled as it ran.
He outgrew his chubby phase as a teenager.
The cartoon character was drawn with exaggerated chubby proportions.