fat-shaming

noun

fat-sham·​ing ˈfat-ˌshā-miŋ How to pronounce fat-shaming (audio)
variants or fat shaming
: the act or practice of subjecting someone perceived as fat or overweight to criticism or mockery
… wasn't aware … that the designers had also been embroiled in controversies over fat-shaming and same-sex families.Vanessa Friedman
As much as it focuses on other aspects of Annie's life, "Shrill" includes instances of bullying and fat shaming. A scene in which a trainer accosts Annie and tries to guilt her into signing up for workouts was inspired by Bryant's life.Kelly Lawler
fat-shaming adjective
fat-shaming comments/criticism

Examples of fat-shaming in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Theoretically, the body-positivity movement would prevent a recurrence of the fat-shaming in America’s Next Top Model. Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 19 Feb. 2026 There were also allegedly posts that included fat-shaming and rape jokes, in addition to other topics, per Stereogum. Ilana Kaplan, People.com, 31 July 2025 But the expectations on them soon began to change: The cast were once rewarded for doing and saying awful things, from bullying to physical altercations and fat-shaming. Louis Staples, Rolling Stone, 28 Nov. 2024 In response to Lizzo’s request to have the case tossed, a judge ruled in February it was allowed to move forward to trial, though with certain allegations of fat-shaming dismissed. Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 23 Nov. 2024 The film tackles the topic of fat-shaming among teens. Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 27 Sep. 2024 Then there’s the Cold Tea Collective, which published an article with tips for dealing with fat-shaming in an Asian family. Isabel Yip, NBC News, 31 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

2007, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fat-shaming was in 2007

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Cite this Entry

“Fat-shaming.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fat-shaming. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.

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