stocky

Stocky is an adjective used to describe a person, animal, or object with a short, broad, and solidly built frame. A stocky individual typically has a comparatively wide chest and thick limbs for their height, conveying a sense of sturdiness rather than slenderness. The term emphasizes girth and compactness rather than height or leanness.

In describing people, stocky can be neutral or slightly judgmental depending on context and tone. It is commonly applied to athletes or individuals with a robust physique, such as a stocky football player; it is not equivalent to muscularity or tallness. In veterinary usage, stocky is often used to characterize dogs or livestock with a sturdy, compact body, such as bulldogs or certain terrier breeds, rather than lean breeds.

Etymology and usage notes: The word derives from stock, meaning a thick, solid piece, with the suffix -y forming an adjective meaning "having the quality of a stock." It appears in English in the early modern period. Related terms include stout, sturdy, compact, and burly; stocky often conveys breadth and shortness, and may imply a strong, if not athletic, build.

See also: body type; physical fitness terms. As a descriptive term, stocky is best interpreted in context, since it can describe appearance, breed characteristics, or object dimensions without implying health or worth.