zaftig

[ zahf-tig, -tik ]

adjective

, Slang.

1. (of a woman) having a pleasantly plump figure.
2. full-bodied; well-proportioned.

Word History and Origins

Origin of zaftig¹

First recorded in 1935–40; from Yiddish zaftik, literally, “juicy, succulent”; compare Middle High German saftec, derivative of saf(t), Old High German saf ( German Saft ) “juice, sap”; sap ¹,

Example Sentences

Especially commendable is Zamit, who in addition to Mrs. Darling and the housekeeper, plays a Tinkerbell too zaftig to fly, among other roles.

From Los Angeles Times

Like the Yiddish word zaftig — literally, juicy — it describes a feminine figure whose lavish proportions amplify her larger-than-life personality.

From Los Angeles Times

She called her magnified, zaftig alter ego The Bunch.

From New York Times

Your essay in this book is about the word "zaftig."

From Salon

Now a Guggenheim fellow, Machado was once conditioned to accept that zaftig women are undeserving of worship.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• awkward
• big
• bulky
• burdensome
• considerable
• cumbersome
• excessive
• fat
• hefty
• huge
• large
• massive
• substantial
• unwieldy
• weighty