The first time I read this word I was sure it had something to do with World War II weapons. It sounds Germanic and a little harsh, like it might be used to maim and destroy. But, in the context it was being used that definition didn’t add up. This confused me, so as is my usual habit, I looked up the word.
Well, color me surprised. It pertains to a woman having a full, rounded figure; plump in other words. I now had found a word that described me to a tee but it sounded like such a rude little word. Where in the world did it come from, I wondered.
Back to the internet I went and looked up the origin of ZAFTIG. It seems to originate from the Yiddish Zaftik which means “juicy or succulent.” I found I liked this description so much better than the word “plump”. I may be rounded and full figured but my soul is juicy and succulent.
As pudgy women everywhere, we struggle daily with the world’s perception of us. Fat, buxom, obese, all accurate words to describe us but words that do us a great deal of harm to our delicate feelings and self worth.
Long ago we would have been thought of as the women who artists choose to immortalize; women who came from upper class homes; women who’s husbands loved and doted on us.
But, in modern times that has all gone the way of the snood. (look that one up.) Thin became “in” and plump was derided as lazy and gross. Not a good way to define a woman. Lately, though, I think this is being changed by women, plump and thin alike, who are not going to put up with being labeled and categorized. Women who want the world to see beyond the flesh and look into the soul. Women who want to be respected.
Also, men are changing their own sexes perception as to desirableness of the female form. I have asked my own husband what modern men think and he tells me most of the friends he has enjoy “something to hold onto”, which a skinny woman doesn’t have.
Fashion magazines are coming out with “real” women who have a full form. Could the world be changing?
While waiting for a revolution of sorts, I will continue to get healthy and find a weight that supports that goal. I will continue to encourage the women I meet to feel good about themselves no matter what “container” they come in. I will continue to look at people’s soul and not judge the outside.
Please join me in celebrating ladies in all sizes. And remember, the more zaftig the girl, usually the jollier the soul.
magicalmess 