zaftig

adjective

zaf·​tig ˈzäf-tig  ˈzȯf- 

variants or less commonly zoftig

ˈzȯf-tig 

of a woman

: having a full rounded figure : pleasingly plump

Did you know?

Zaftig Has Yiddish Origins

Zaftig has been in use in English—mainly in the United States—since the 1920s; a couple of the earliest known uses are found in Variety magazine, in reviews of burlesque dancers. The word comes from the Yiddish zaftik, meaning "juicy" or "succulent," which in turn comes from zaft, meaning "juice" or "sap." If this word is new to you and you would like to take it out for a spin, please be advised that even though most dictionaries define it as implying attractiveness, people to whom it might apply may not appreciate its use.

Examples of zaftig in a Sentence

The actress playing the lead role was a zaftig blonde.

Recent Examples on the Web

Cena, who once filmed Trainwreck pretending to be a closeted bodybuilder desperate for zaftig comedian Amy Schumer’s affection, understands that the joke’s on him better than anyone. —Oliver Bateman, The Washington Examiner, 30 May 2025

Need a zaftig character actor with a sweet smile and a can-do attitude? —Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 14 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Yiddish zaftik juicy, succulent, from zaft juice, sap, from Middle High German saf, saft, from Old High German saf — more at sap

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

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