To make or become fat or fatter, often used for livestock being prepared for market or metaphorically for profits or accounts.
From Middle English fatnen, derived from fat plus the suffix -en (meaning 'to cause to become'). This follows the same pattern as words like 'broaden' or 'strengthen', showing how English creates causative verbs.
The word 'fatten' reveals agriculture's influence on our language - originally describing the practical process of preparing animals for slaughter, it now appears in phrases like 'fatten the coffers' or 'fatten up the budget.' It's a perfect example of how farming metaphors permeate business language.
Language around body size carries gendered judgment, particularly toward women. Historical standards of female beauty tied larger bodies to fertility/youth, while modern standards penalize size; the verb 'fatten' carries implied moral judgment absent from neutral descriptors.
Use precise, neutral language: 'gained weight', 'increase in mass', 'body composition changed'. Avoid 'fatten' when describing humans; reserve for livestock if accurate.
["gained weight","increased in size","body composition change"]
Reject body-shaming language. People of all body sizes deserve respect and dignity independent of appearance standards.
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