pudgy

UK: ˈpʌdʒi | US: ˈpʌdʒi

Definition

  1. adj. short and slightly fat in a way that appears soft or rounded

Structure
pud <childish plumpness>gy <adjective suffix>
Etymology

"Pudgy" emerged in the early 19th century, blending the colloquial "pud" (evoking soft plumpness) with the adjectival "-gy" suffix. Its playful sound mirrors its meaning, often describing chubby cheeks or a rounded physique without negative connotations. The word’s whimsical structure reflects its roots in informal speech, later standardizing into descriptive English.

Examples

  1. The baby’s pudgy hands reached for the toy.

  2. She pinched her brother’s pudgy cheeks affectionately.

  3. The puppy’s pudgy belly made everyone smile.

  4. He outgrew his pudgy childhood frame by adolescence.

  5. The cartoon character was drawn with a pudgy, round face.