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HE-posted on 10.17.20: Wokesters have banished the “f” word as flatly, decisively and eternally as the “n” word and other hateful epithets. I understand that, of course, and I know that the preferred term is “person of size” or, if you will, non-svelte. Many years ago I tried using “calorically challenged” but people looked at me sideways. Their expressions seemed to say “what are you trying to be, some kind of smart-ass?”
Yes, I’ve used the “f” word a few times — Fat Thor, Fatzilla, etc.
In late May of ’07 I was standing on a small bridge in Venice when I noticed a morbidly obese fellow and his wife reclining in a passing gondola, and the combined weight was such that the gondola was almost taking on water.
“Wow, look at that fat guy,” I muttered to Jett, who was standing next to me. I knew I had misspoken. My voice had echoed slightly. Jett’s immediate response was to touch my forearm and go “sshhhhh.’
I’m not so stupid as to not understand that avoiding the “f” word is advisable. I get it. Of course I do. I’m just trying to get along. I am not a harshly judgmental person as a rule. I simply err on the side of offhanded candor from time to time.