The phrase “chubby chaser” is informal slang for a person who is romantically or sexually attracted to people with larger bodies. It most often appears in dating contexts and online profiles. Some individuals self-identify with the term, while others find it reductive or stigmatizing.

Common meanings

• Attraction: A preference for plus-size partners, sometimes called fat admiration.
• Identity label: Used by some to find like-minded partners, rejected by others who prefer neutral language such as “attracted to bigger bodies.”
• Community usage: Related terms include FA, short for fat admirer, and BBW or BHM communities that center larger bodies and those who appreciate them.

Why the term can be controversial

• Stereotypes: It can reinforce clichés about people’s bodies or motives.
• Fetishization concerns: Partners may worry that their personhood is overshadowed by a single trait like size.
• Power and stigma: In a culture with weight bias, labels tied to body size can feel objectifying or risky to use publicly.

Health and ethics are not the same thing

Attraction describes desire, not a diagnosis. Bodies come in many shapes for many reasons. Ethical dating asks for honesty, respect, and consent, regardless of size or health status.

Respectful ways to talk about it

• Lead with the person, not the body: “I am attracted to bigger partners,” rather than defining someone by their weight.
• Ask preferences on language: Some people embrace specific labels, others prefer none.
• Avoid backhanded compliments: Do not frame attraction as a guilty secret or a “despite your size” comment.
• Keep curiosity kind: If you are learning, ask open questions and listen without trying to justify your tastes.

Dating tips for everyone involved

• Be clear about intentions: Casual, committed, or unsure is fine, as long as you say so.
• Watch for red flags: Shame, secrecy, or pressure about weight changes are signs to pause.
• Center whole-person connection: Values, humor, hobbies, and care matter more than any single trait.
• Practice consent and boundaries: Attraction to a body type never entitles anyone to access.

If you identify with the term

You do not owe the world an explanation for your preferences. You do owe partners respect. Use language that honors them, stay mindful of bias, and build relationships where both people feel valued.

Bottom line

“Chubby chaser” describes a specific attraction, yet the label carries baggage. If you use it, do so thoughtfully. If you prefer not to, describe your interests in plain, respectful terms. In the end, the healthiest relationships are built on mutual attraction, dignity, and care.