A resurgence of humor centered on body size is gaining traction across social media platforms and in everyday interactions, raising concerns about the persistence of fatphobia in contemporary culture. Terms like “big back” and “fat Sunday” are increasingly prevalent in online content, particularly on TikTok, where hashtags associated with these phrases have amassed hundreds of thousands of posts. The trend has also spilled over into real-world settings, including schools and social gatherings.

Cindy Noir, a 30-year-old substitute teacher in Atlanta, noticed the phrase “big back” being frequently used by middle school students, often as a form of teasing linked to eating habits or body size. She observed that the jokes created an atmosphere of self-consciousness among students, with some avoiding everyday activities out of fear of ridicule. “Fatphobia never went away,” Noir said, highlighting how those with fatphobic attitudes now express them more openly.

Originating from African American Vernacular English and Caribbean English, “big back” initially carried positive connotations related to body shape but has evolved into a term often used derogatorily. Radio host Charlamagne Tha God popularized the insult in 2024 when he described certain behaviors on a TikTok series as “big-back behavior,” associating the phrase with greed and lack of self-control. Ariyon Dailey, a 26-year-old journalist and content creator, explained that the term is frequently used by people to jokingly acknowledge indulgence or behaviors deemed socially undesirable, often accompanied by an apologetic tone.

Meanwhile, “fat Sunday” videos have emerged as a popular trend among younger influencers. These videos typically depict groups sampling multiple food and drink venues in a single day, embracing a lighthearted approach to indulgence. Influencers like Ishani Paul and Annabelle Treadwell, with followings bolstered by brand partnerships, have contributed to the trend’s visibility. Google Trends data indicates a 250 percent increase in searches related to “fat Sunday” over the past year.

However, not all responses to the phenomenon are positive. Zahara Umar, a 19-year-old college student and content creator, criticizes these trends for perpetuating harmful stereotypes that equate fatness with a lack of self-discipline. Umar emphasizes that fatness does not imply poor health or neglect and notes an increase in negative commentary toward larger-bodied individuals both online and offline. She observes that many who use such language may not recognize its impact, even as it becomes ingrained in everyday speech.

Umar has personally confronted fat-shaming behavior, including hostile comments on her own social media posts, sometimes from people she knows. She highlighted the irony in her friends discouraging her from calling herself fat while continuing to use pejorative terms themselves. “If shaming people worked, believe me, it would have worked a long time ago,” Umar said, underscoring the ongoing stigmatization faced by people with diverse body types.

As conversations about body image and online behavior continue, the intersection of humor and prejudice remains a contentious issue. While some perceive the use of terms like “big back” and “fat Sunday” as playful or culturally expressive, others warn that these phrases reinforce damaging assumptions and contribute to a climate of body-related anxiety.