tjockis

Tjockis is a Swedish noun used to refer to a person who is overweight. It is a colloquial term and is generally considered pejorative or insulting when used to describe someone’s body size. The word derives from the adjective tjock, meaning fat or thick, with the agentive suffix -is, producing a label for a person characterized by that trait. Its connotation depends on context, tone, and who is speaking; it can occasionally appear in playful or reclaimed usage among some individuals, but it remains a stigmatizing term for many.

In everyday speech and online, tjockis commonly appears in informal conversation, jokes, memes, and social media. Because of its potential to reinforce body-shaming, many speakers and writers prefer more neutral language in public or formal contexts. Media coverage and public discourse increasingly emphasize respectful language toward people of all body sizes and aim to reduce stigma.

Alternatives and considerations: in neutral or respectful contexts, phrases such as en person med övervikt (a person with overweight) or en person som är överviktig are preferred. The term can be hurtful, and its use risks contributing to bullying or discrimination. Some individuals may reclaim or reinterpret the word, but such usage is not universal and should be approached with care. When in doubt, avoiding the term altogether and choosing non-stigmatizing descriptions is advisable.