Bulky

Question

Hi teachers,1.  Today a customer came to our store trying a winter coat on, and she said it made her look bulky.  I'd like to know if this usage is correct to describe this situation.  2.  Can I describe the winter coat "bulky"?3.  How would you describe it?Thank you.

Avangi · Accepted Answer

It doesn't seem unusual to me. The opposite would be "sleek."

You might use "bulky" to describe an overstuffed pillow which has no particular shape.
Perhaps it seems to "puff out" in places.
I think of a huge bundle of rags, bound up for the mill.
It's definitely a pejorative.

The bulk of the man was astounding! He was huge, and his shape lacked definition. He was just a big blob.

The coat itself may have a lot of padding, or bulky insulation, so it gives the impression of being bulky on the rack. (Modern insulation is usually not bulky.)

Perhaps the woman really is bulky, and she's looking for something to create the opposite impression.
She wants an hourglass figure.

I suppose you could use "bulky" to describe an American football line backer who is actually in perfect form.
"Bulky" doesn't always have to imply "loose." Think "Incredible Hulk!"

Tinanam0102 · Answer

Hi Avangi,

Thank you for your help.

What other words to describe "bulky" winter coat?

Thanks again.

Tinanam

Avangi · Answer

All I can think of is "pudgy." That's not very good. My thesaurus isn't helping. Maybe there's a better one on line, or maybe someone else can help.

There are two aspects - the excessive size and the sort of "puffy-ness."

CalifJim · Answer

tinanam01021. Today a customer came to our store trying a winter coat on, and she said it made her look bulky. I'd like to know if this usage is correct to describe this situation.

It sounds fine to me.

tinanam01022. Can I describe the winter coat as "bulky"?

Yes. Or you can describe the woman as bulky -- but not to her face, of course. That would be like calling her fat and ugly.

tinanam01023. How would you describe it?

Bulky. Shapeless. Massive. Baggy. Oversized. Voluminous. Weighty. Overweight. Ungainly. Cumbersome. Unfashionable. Ill-fitting. Ponderous.

CJ

Tinanam0102 · Answer

[/quote]Bulky. Shapeless. Massive. Baggy. Oversized. Voluminous. Weighty. Overweight. Ungainly. Cumbersome. Unfashionable. Ill-fitting. Ponderous.CJ[/quote]

Hi CalifJim,

Thank you for the new words.

Do these vocabulary describe the coat or the person?

Thanks again

Tinanam

Bulky

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