Dear curvaceous best friends, can I bring “big back” to the forefront?! No, I’m not talking about a person, I’m talking about a word. Today I ask, “Is the slang term big back fatphobic?” This slang has become widespread on social media and in everyday conversation. But what does this mean exactly?
“Big back” is often used to describe someone who consumes large amounts of food, and is often used as a joke towards overweight people, regardless of the person’s body size.
It is unclear who coined the term, but it has gained popularity in online communities and memes. Whenever the term is used in memes or social media clips, it refers to a greedy person, or someone who is greedy but pretends to be “fat.” But is the slang for “big back” fatphobic?
Content creator talks about the term “big buck”
Many plus-size people and content creators have begun speaking out against the term, denouncing it as fatphobic and offensive. They argue that “big back” is just another way that society shames plus-size bodies, reinforcing negative stereotypes and perpetuating body image hatred. They also emphasize that phrases like “big back” perpetuate a culture in which plus-size people are constantly ridiculed and marginalized.
For example, lifestyle content creator Alice (Arisen) explains why “Big Buck” is so anti-progressive.
“When people say the joke about having a big back is offensive, they’re just saying, ‘It’s not about being fat, it’s about being big and greedy,'” Alice explained. “So it goes back to saying that fat people are big and greedy. The personification of being big and greedy is literally being big.”
Dylan Davis (Dylan Davey) argued that the term gives people permission to call others fat as a “joke” and that it doesn’t take into account the feelings of plus-size people.
These creators are using their platforms to highlight how harmful language impacts mental health and self-esteem. They stress the importance of respecting everyone’s bodies, regardless of size, and call for an end to the use of potentially hurtful terms like “big back.” By calling out these issues, they are encouraging a more inclusive and respectful dialogue around body image – not just condemning a single word, but challenging a broader culture of fat-phobia and promoting body positivity.
Is the slang term “Big Back” fat-phobic to me?
To be honest, to me, as a plus-size girl, the term “big back” is not offensive. The jokes and words that stem from my size are not new, innovative or creative. I’ve heard them all. Frankly, “big back” is just a word. To me, “big back” is used as a synonym for greed. And if you’re greedy, you’re greedy, size doesn’t matter. To be honest, the only word that I find truly offensive is the “N-word.” It’s clear why.
But just because the term “big back” doesn’t make me uncomfortable doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt someone else. I know that. I don’t condone bullying. Everyone’s experiences and feelings are valid, and if a term is degrading to you, it’s okay to call it out. It’s important to recognize that what may be a harmless joke to one person may be deeply hurtful to another. This distinction is crucial to understanding the broader discussion around body shaming and fatphobia.
So I ask again: “Does the slang term ‘big back’ refer to fatphobia?”
That depends on who you ask.
For some, this is a harmless joke, but for others, it’s a poignant reminder of social judgment. The key is to be mindful of how your words affect those around you. Empathy and respect go a long way in making everyone feel recognized and valued.
Even if you don’t like your “big back,” the ongoing dialogue about fatphobia and body positivity is a step toward a more inclusive and understanding world.
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Source: The Curvy Fashionista – thecurvyfashionista.com
