big-boned
Large skeletal frame
Big-boned describes someone with a large, heavy skeletal frame.
The term is often used as a polite or euphemistic way to describe someone who is overweight: She's not fat, she's just big-boned.
When used sincerely, it acknowledges that some people are naturally larger-framed than others, making direct weight comparisons misleading.
Exceeding healthy mass
- plumpAgreeably fat, well-filled
- chubbySlightly plump, endearingly
- heavysetThick-bodied and sturdy
- corpulentExcessively heavy-bodied
portly · rotund · full-figured · thickset · stocky · pudgy · bulky · fleshy
Strong and durable
- strongHaving great physical power
- hardyAble to endure difficulty
- durableAble to withstand use
- solidFirm matter state
resilient · tough · rugged · stout · stalwart · dependable · reliable · vigorous
overweight
Exceeding healthy mass
corpulent · portly · rotund · full-figured · thickset · stocky · pudgy · bulky · fleshy · paunchy
robust
Strong and durable
solid · resilient · tough · rugged · stout · stalwart · dependable · reliable · vigorous · enduring
broad-shouldered
Wide across the back
- barrel-chestedHaving expansive ribcage
- substantialOf notable size or importance
- strappingMuscular and hale
brawny · athletic · muscular · powerful · imposing · tall · rangy · lanky · rawboned · angular
- body typesectomorph, endomorph, mesomorph, somatotype, athletic build
big-bonedskinny
Very thin, underweight
scrawny · bony · skin and bones · underweight · emaciated