Wide from one side to the other, or having a large distance between opposite surfaces. It can also describe something that is dense or hard to see through, like thick fog.
From Old English 'þicce' meaning 'dense, close, massive.' It is related to Old Norse 'þykkr' with a similar meaning, showing a common Germanic root. Over time, its sense expanded from physical density to ideas like thick accents or thick soup.
English uses 'thick' both for size and for how crowded something is—like thick hair or thick forests. That same idea lets us call someone 'thick-headed' when their mind feels crowded or slow. One simple word quietly links shape, crowding, and even intelligence.
Historically, 'thick' has been used both as an insult for perceived stupidity and, more recently, as a sexualized compliment or insult about body shape, often targeting women’s bodies in objectifying ways. These uses tie intelligence and worth to physical appearance, with women and femme-presenting people disproportionately scrutinized.
Use 'thick' descriptively for physical properties (e.g., thick book, thick wall) or neutral body description only when clearly non-judgmental and consented to. Avoid using it to comment on intelligence or as unsolicited commentary on someone’s body.
["dense","viscous","sturdy","substantial","broad-shouldered","curvy (if self-chosen)"]
When discussing body diversity, acknowledge that women and gender-diverse people have led body-positivity and fat-acceptance movements challenging the shaming uses of terms like 'thick.'
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