Fatten

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Fatten

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

verb

Pronunciation

FAT-en  /ˈfat(ə)n/

Definition

To make or become fat or fatter. Specifically: to make an animal fat before slaughter; to grow or make something larger, richer, or more substantial.

Plain meaning

To make something — an animal, a profit, a portfolio — grow bigger or more substantial, usually by adding to it deliberately.

Register

Neutral in agricultural contexts. Slightly blunt when applied to people. Mildly disparaging in its figurative sense — fattening a contract with unnecessary clauses.