Definition of fat

The word "fat" has a fascinating history. It originated from Old English and Germanic words, such as "feit" (flesh) and "fetta" (to feed). In Middle English (circa 1100-1500 AD), the word "fat" referred to a person who was nourished or well-fed, not necessarily meaning corpulent or obese. The association with body fat emerged later, in the 16th century. At that time, "fat" came to mean "full of fat" or "plump," indicating a person with a rounded or corpulent body. Interestingly, the Latin word "grassus" (meaning "fat" or "fleshy") was adopted into Middle English as "fat," further solidifying the connection between the word and body composition. Over time, the meaning of "fat" has evolved to encompass various connotations, including physical appearance, health, and even dairy products (e.g., fat cow, fat milk). Despite these developments, the word's roots remain rooted in Germanic and Latin linguistic heritage.