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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Would you be offended if …….

26 replies

Scaredmumsickchild · 12/04/2023 22:48

Someone called you “athletic” looking, and “broad”!?

Not sure how to take it to be honest, is that polite for massive?!

OP posts:
GreenFingersWouldBeHandy · 12/04/2023 22:49

How would ‘athletic’ mean ‘fat’?

EvenHeathens · 12/04/2023 22:50

Athletic looking means slim to me. Broad as well would suggest maybe swimmers shoulders. Anyone commenting on my body can feck off though tbh

BrightYellowDaffodil · 12/04/2023 22:50

Athletic: fine

Broad: not fine unless they meant it in the old-fashioned sense of “She was a right broad”. And even then it might be a bit rude, depending on the context.

drpet49 · 12/04/2023 22:51

BrightYellowDaffodil · 12/04/2023 22:50

Athletic: fine

Broad: not fine unless they meant it in the old-fashioned sense of “She was a right broad”. And even then it might be a bit rude, depending on the context.

This.

Gawdimold · 12/04/2023 22:51

My mil tells me I’m well made- that’s polite for fat

Original poster
Scaredmumsickchild · 12/04/2023 22:51

It was when I was being measured for a bra!

OP posts:
Agitatethebumcrack · 12/04/2023 22:51

I see athletic as meaning fit and active. I’m broad, I’m not petite even as a size 10, I wouldn’t be insulted. My frame is bigger than colleagues who are a size bigger than me.

whatsyourpoison12 · 12/04/2023 22:52

how could you be offended by your own body?

Agitatethebumcrack · 12/04/2023 22:53

It was when I was being measured for a bra!
not insulting then. I’ve got a broad back meaning the band size is bigger than you’d expect. DM was trained to measure for bra fittings years ago so that stuck with me, big band even with a flat chest 🙄

mynameiscalypso · 12/04/2023 22:54

Scaredmumsickchild · 12/04/2023 22:51

It was when I was being measured for a bra!

I would sort of assume it was factual in that case. Some people are broader (therefore have bigger band measurements) than others. An athletic build probably means there's more muscle than fat on you. I am whatever the reverse of an athletic build is.

SeasonFinale · 12/04/2023 22:55

Athletic is usually code for larger but muscular rather than fat

Thirdsummerofourdiscontent · 12/04/2023 22:56

Scaredmumsickchild · 12/04/2023 22:51

It was when I was being measured for a bra!

I think getting a bra fitting this is acceptable, not every bra fits all body shapes. Broad means around the back. Nothing to take offence at here, that’s are the terms they use.

Ultravox · 12/04/2023 22:57

Not insulting if for a bra fitting. In this case I think athletic means toned and broad means your back measurement is wider than it looks.

dudsville · 12/04/2023 22:58

I suppose she didn't need to use descriptors, could have just said "these centimeters and those centimeters", but personally i find it helpful to learn in more detail because i can now buy bras where the straps don't fall off my shoulders.

Conkersinautumn · 12/04/2023 22:59

I'd take it they mean literally broad (in the back) and athletic would suggest everything is quite firm. I'd take it as fairly factual from a bra fitter, unless it felt creepy, did it?

OhSmitty · 12/04/2023 23:01

I'd be highly shocked as I'm squidgy and rounded, not at all athletic.

I'd assume athletic meant lean and toned.

DHsPoorBack · 12/04/2023 23:01

Athletic= muscly, solid, not curvy

Broad= wide

Original poster
Scaredmumsickchild · 12/04/2023 23:04

It wasn’t pervy 🤣

Just made me question my shape as it’s not a term I have ever heard applied to myself and I’m a good stone over my happy weight so not feeling very good about myself currently

OP posts:
Annoyingwurringnoise · 12/04/2023 23:05

No I wouldn’t be offended. I’d think the person probably needs glasses but I wouldn’t be offended.

LizzieSiddal · 12/04/2023 23:10

Broad refers to your back so it’s fine to use during a bra fitting. And being called athletic is a compliment surely!

Crimblecrumble1990 · 12/04/2023 23:10

Context is everything and in that circumstance I think those terms are ok.

I wouldn't be appreciative of a running commentary on my body though!

Ithurtsthebackofmyeyes · 12/04/2023 23:19

Athletic and broad together suggest ‘masculine ’. Which would probably piss me off. I get athletic and wiry. Which means scrawny and flat chested.

TenoringBehind · 12/04/2023 23:42

I’d be flattered at athletic, less so by broad. Together maybe it suggests swimming shoulders?

RobertaFirmino · 13/04/2023 00:27

Athletic and broad makes me think of Sharron Davies. In no way fat. Athletic and wiry is like Jill Scott. Lean, rather than skinny.

bellsandwhistles333 · 13/04/2023 00:37

I describe my step daughter as athletic build I really hope it's not not see As offensive as I've always thought it was complimentary!

She's 17 and tallish 5,9 slim but not skinny and yes broadish shoulders/back with a bum and wears a size 8.

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