grassoccio
The English phrase 'chubby' can be translated into Italian using grassoccio or cicciuto.
Meaning: of a person, somewhat fat (adj)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| grassoccio | |
| cicciuto | /t͡ʃitˈt͡ʃu.to/ |
These words are used to describe a person who is somewhat fat.
Which one should you use?
grassoccio is a more neutral or slightly more formal way to say chubby compared to the more colloquial cicciuto.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
grassoccio is considered a more neutral or slightly more formal option. In contrast, cicciuto is an informal and colloquial term that can sound slightly more blunt or even affectionate depending on the context. For more formal situations, you might use Più robusto/a (more robust/sturdy). For informal or endearing ways to describe someone, you can use Grassottello/a, Paffuto/a or Ciccione/a.
How does it change in a sentence?
grassoccio changes to grassoccia when describing a female, and cicciuto changes to cicciuta when describing a female.
Did you know?
- The word paffuto specifically describes 'chubbiness' located in the cheeks. It comes from the onomatopoeic sound of a light slap or a puff, evoking the softness of a full face.
- The root of cicciuto is ciccia, which is a common baby-talk word for 'meat' or 'food'. This is why cicciuto often sounds more affectionate or cute than the neutral grassoccio.
- The suffix '-occio' in grassoccio is a diminutive that often carries a slightly pejorative or mocking undertone in certain Italian dialects.
Examples in context
- Tom è grassoccio.Tom is chubby.This sentence is useful for illustrating how to use grassoccio to describe a person.Tatoeba #3838242 by Guybrush88, translation #3171315 by CK
- Guarda Matteo, è diventato più grassottello dopo le vacanze. Dobbiamo aiutarlo a tornare in forma!Look at Matteo, he's become a bit chubby after the holidays. We should help him get back in shape!
- Il bambino è molto grassoccio.The baby is very chubby.
- Quel gattino è un po' grassoccio.That kitten is a little chubby.
Example conversation
Alessandro and Sofia are looking at a photo of a baby.
- AlessandroGuarda quanto è grassoccio questo bimbo!Look how chubby this baby is!
- SofiaSì, è davvero adorabile.Yes, he is truly adorable.
- AlessandroHa delle guance così paffute.He has such chubby cheeks.
- SofiaSì, lo trovo tenerissimo.Yes, I find him so sweet.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “chubby” translations and entries grassoccio, cicciuto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
