This archive report was first published on 13 January 2020.
As I reflected on a recent conversation with colleagues, I realized how easily we misuse the phrase 'grow fat' in our daily language. The conversation started with a lighthearted remark about a colleague's weight gain, but it quickly took a turn into a discussion about the nuances of language.
One of the things that struck me was how often we use the phrase 'grow fat' to describe someone who has gained weight, when in fact, it's more accurate to say 'put on weight' or 'gain weight'. This is because 'grow fat' has a different connotation, implying that someone has acquired wealth or riches.
For example, in a recent article, it was reported that many county workers have 'grown fat' from proceeds of corruption. In this context, 'grow fat' means that they have acquired wealth, not that they have gained weight.
But what's interesting is that the phrase 'grow fat' is not entirely incorrect. In some languages, such as Kiswahili, the word 'fat' is used to describe someone who has gained weight, but in English, it's more accurate to use the phrase 'put on weight' or 'gain weight'. This highlights the complexities of language and how different cultures use words in different ways.
So, the next time you hear someone say 'grow fat', remember that it's not just about gaining weight, but also about acquiring wealth or riches. And who knows, maybe one day we'll start using the phrase 'put on weight' or 'gain weight' more often, and 'grow fat' will become a thing of the past.
