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Plus, is "thicc" a compliment or something else entirely?
The word "thicc" has exploded across social media and is often seen in memes. But what’s the real meaning behind it? This article breaks down the origins of the term, its current use, and how it promotes body positivity. Read on to get all the details!
The Definition of “Thicc”
“Thicc” refers to someone with a curvy, fuller figure, especially with a prominent backside and well-defined thighs. Originally from the Black community, it was used to celebrate curvy women and is typically a playful or flattering term. Over time, it has come to describe anything that’s thick, chubby, or plump.
How to Use the Term
What’s the Meaning of “Thicc”?
“Thicc” refers to someone with a curvaceous, full-bodied shape. To be “thicc” means you have an attractive, well-rounded figure, often characterized by a curvy waist and a prominent behind. While it originally described women's bodies, over time, it’s expanded to include muscular men, chubby pets, and almost anything that's thick or plump. It's often used in a playful, complimentary way, but can also carry a sexual connotation.
- “Thicc” doesn’t imply someone is overweight or obese—it simply means the person has an accentuated backside and shapely thighs.
- The word “thicc” is a deliberately playful twist on “thick” and is pronounced the same, with the misspelling adding extra emphasis.
How to Use “Thicc” Correctly
Use “thicc” to compliment a friend's curvy body. Generally, this term should be reserved for lighthearted compliments to close friends about their attractive figures. Avoid using it with strangers—it's like saying, “Hey, nice boobs!” or “I love your butt!” to someone you just met (which can be awkward and inappropriate).
- “Girl, you are looking thicc in that tight dress—werk!”
- “That booty is thicc, and that waist? Snatched! Wish I had a body like that.”
- “Dang, you’ve been hitting those squats hard—looking thicc as hell!”
“Thicc” can also describe anything that’s full or fluffy. For example, you can humorously refer to a fluffy pet by calling it “thicc” on social media to make your friends laugh. You can even apply “thicc” to describe the bass in a song, a hearty meal, or a well-developed fictional character—thanks to meme culture, the possibilities are endless.
- “Oh lawd, he comin’—your cat is looking thicc today!”
- “When the DJ dropped that bass at the club—thicc as hell, y’all!”
- “I made the soup extra thicc tonight, you’ll love it!”
The Origin of “Thicc”
“Thicc” was first popularized by the Black community in the early 2000s. It was originally used by young people within African American culture to describe or compliment someone (usually a woman) who was curvy and sexually appealing. The term quickly spread to drag culture around the same time. Over the years, “thicc” gained further popularity in mainstream American culture, helped by full-figured celebrities like Kim Kardashian and the rise of body positivity.
“Thicc” in Pop Culture & Memes
“Thicc” rose to fame in the 2000s alongside the body positivity movement. In the early days of the internet, people with fuller figures began to shift the narrative around body image after facing shaming and ridicule. Online communities championed body acceptance, using hashtags like #loveyourbody and #allbodiesarebeautiful to celebrate their curves. Celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Rihanna embraced the term, further popularizing it.
Memes about “Thicc” fictional characters began circulating around 2015. The internet was soon flooded with memes featuring iconic characters like Bubble Bass from *SpongeBob SquarePants*, Super Mario Bros., Winnie the Pooh, and Thanos from *The Avengers*. Any character with a noticeable round bottom was fair game!
- On October 22, 2015, the now-defunct Twitter account @miliondollameat posted an image of Bubble Bass from *SpongeBob SquarePants*, calling him "lowkey thicc."
- On April 26, 2015, YouTuber Pyrocynical uploaded a video titled "Thicc Souls III" featuring a full-figured character in *Dark Souls III*.
- On January 8, 2016, Twitter user @larcenous posted a photo of his head against a cushion that looked like a curvy woman's hips with the caption "my girl stupid thicc." The tweet earned 21,500 likes and 12,400 retweets within six months.
Posts showcasing chubby or fluffy pets as “thicc” quickly followed. These posts were often lighthearted and aimed to add a cute twist to pictures of animals, like Corgis with adorable, fluffy behinds. However, the Monterey Bay Aquarium (@MontereyAq) faced a backlash after tweeting a picture of their otter, Abby, with the caption, “Abby is a thicc girl / What an absolute unit / She c h o n k / Look at the size of this lady /OH LAWD SHE COMIN.” Critics felt that the use of “thicc” was objectifying, perpetuating harmful meme culture, and involved cultural appropriation since the term originated within African-American culture.
Big booties and full-figured bodies have been celebrated in many songs. A pioneer in this was Sir Mix-a-Lot with his iconic 1992 hit “Baby Got Back”, which opens with the line, “I like big butts and I cannot lie.” In 2001, Destiny’s Child released “Bootylicious”, and since then, many artists have embraced the celebration of fuller figures. Megan Thee Stallion’s 2020 track “Body” proudly flaunts her curvy shape, while EDM artist Shygirl released a song called “Thicc” in 2023. Similarly, the hip-hop group Gloss Up dropped their own 2023 track, “Thicc”.
Is “thicc” a compliment?
Yes, “thicc” is generally used as a positive and flattering term for a fuller figure. When someone refers to someone as “thicc,” it’s usually a compliment meant to appreciate their attractive, curvy body. While it's uncommon for “thicc” to be used negatively, exceptions do exist.
- However, the person described as “thicc” may not always take it well. Someone who feels self-conscious about their curves or views them negatively might not see it as a compliment.
- Some individuals believe that terms like “thicc” objectify women’s bodies and suggest caution when using them.
Does “thicc” carry sexual connotations?
“Thicc” can sometimes carry sexual connotations, but not always. When the term is used to describe someone’s curvy body in a flattering or seductive way, there may be some sexual undertones. However, the meaning of “thicc” has evolved significantly over time, and it’s not always sexual—particularly when it’s used to describe muscular figures, fluffy pets, animated characters, or even non-living things.
