Described as Amazonian - is this an insult?

[bigkahunaburger]

So many times throughout my adult life I have had my figure being described as 'Amazonian' to my face. I never really understood what it meant, and it just happened again today. I actually asked the person this time what it meant, and they sort of fumbled about looked embarrassed and looked flustered and kept muttering things like, 'big' and 'strong presence'....and it all got a bit awkward. So I'm just curious - is this an insult? a compliment? Ive tried to google it and I'm none the wiser.

Does it mean I look overweight?

Grace Jones is Amazonian to my mind.

its a bit old school warrior type hence the busty connotations, so not quite the modern female athlete shape. Serena Williams is definitely Amazonian by definition but doesn’t have the curvy figure that’s also associated with it.

Yes, I was about to post this.

@BruFord I'm not saying I don't understand the reference . I'm saying that's the context I've heard it in . Not as a compliment

I remember going to see a consultant about a skin problem when I was about 14 or 15. I was extremely self conscious about it. At the end of the appointment, the doctor (female) described me as 'a very handsome girl.' My mum thought it was a strange thing to say and couldn't get her head round it. I was absolutely delighted and understood that she was paying me a compliment that kind of fitted. I am large framed, with big hands and feet, on the taller side (5' 7") and could definitely have been mistaken for athletic back then, even though I wasn't. No danger of that these days🤣 I certainly wasn't 'pretty' in a conventional way.

Yes, that’s the way I would take it.

Possibly similar to ‘statuesque’?

Tall athletic striking

Its a compliment isnt it?

Tall athletic striking

Its a compliment isnt it?

The Amazons were, from memory, a race of warrior women in greek mythology. They were strong, independent women who didn't need men to succeed. They kicked ass. Bring It On.

Original mumsnetters? 😁

I am unclear how they had babies and what happened to the male offspring.

I would be very happy to be described as Amazonian. But it's unlikely as I am 5'2 and chubby and don't like confrontation.

Racquel Welch was Amazonian. Tall strong hourglass figure.

I've only ever come across one woman in my life I described as Amazonian. She was about 6'2", figure to die for, beautiful face and hair, amazing long legs. She was size and weight wise proportionate to her height, probably a size 14. A beautiful woman. Amazonian just described her best, it most definitely wasn't an insult!

Well I guess he did mean it as a compliment. He messaged me multiple times last night and this morning. Ive politely said Im not interested by hes not getting the message. Lying about his height was an instant turnoff, and he didn't make me laugh (hugely important to me). But in relation to the thread I guess its clear that this guy meant it as a compliment. Cant be sure about others, but I will take it as a compliment in the future - thank you everyone. Unfortunately us women always seem to want what we dont have hey - Ive always craved to look and feel dainty and feminine. Would love to be 5ft with tiny feet and hands! I always feel like the big giant of the group and it doesn't feel good. But now Im back out on the dating scene, I am going to make a concerted effort to love myself! Work in progress...

Yeah it is a compliment. A cheesy ex of mine used to call me an Amazonian goddess. I am not, and I'm not even that tall 😂 just slightly above average. But he definitely meant it nicely!

Oh I'd forgotten that one! Not heard it for years. It's the sort of thing my grandad used to say, 😂

I’d probably describe Brooke Shields as Amazonian.

I feel you! The best man at our wedding referred to me as being an Amazonian woman in our wedding speech!! He meant it as I’m tall, and was noticeably so when he first met me for the first time (my husband is shorter than I am). I did find it uncomfortable to say the least, but I’m sure he meant no offence.

I’d bloody love to be called Amazonian - tall, strong, powerful, stunning.

It's a huge compliment. It means you are impressive as a woman; strong/striking in stature, looks, personality and attitude. You always get stuck into things and nothing really fazes you. That's my understanding anyway.

Women I'd describe as 'an Amazon' are Beyonce, Nicole Scherzinger, Jennifer Lopez but there are of course countless others.

Ah yes Hannah Waddingham, totally forgot about her. She is DEFINITELY an Amazon - in the way she looks, carries herself + strong personality and attitude.

Also, love how she called out sexist photographers at the BAFTAs a while back for telling her to 'show some leg'. She well and truly put them in their place... and did it like a lady. She's an absolute Goddess!

Amazonian is extremely attractive 😀

Blimey Op that's definitely a compliment. Have you not seen Wonder Woman? She's an Amazon warrior and all the women in that film are absolutely stunning, athletic, tall, strong etc.

I would think tall, strong and statuesque - so not an insult.

I'm 5'7" which is definitely tall for a woman. I've been called this in the past - I'm tall and slim so not necessarily Amazonian in stature but personality wise, I'm fairly confident, direct and not afraid to call out BS. So think it was for all these things combined.

My Dd is 5'2", she did a lot of swimming right up until uni, hence she has broad shoulders and strong arms and legs with a,small waist, I call her amazonian, like a warrior princess

The Amazons were warrior women -and fearsome. I think they even cut off one of their breasts to be able to use their bows and arrows more easily. It means tall, strong, atheletic - so very much a complement. Nothing to do with fat. Unless someone is misusing it.