SSBBW (Dating Term)

The term BBW and the newer term SSBBW are often used by women to refer to themselves as a measure of confidence about their curvaceous figures. Both abbreviations are also common on porn and dating sites in a bid to attract partners with "large women" fetishes. Neither BBW nor SSBBW is a derogatory term. Both are designed to celebrate the attractiveness of ladies who do not conform to traditional societal standards of beauty.

The main term (BBW) derives from the late 1970s, meaning it predates the internet by a several decades. More specifically, BBW comes from the "Big Beautiful Woman" magazine, created by Carole Shaw in 1979. Now a popular website for larger women, the magazine's tag-line is "The Power of Plus."

Body Positivity Is a Fightback against Body Shaming. The overt celebration of oversized bodies is a direct response to the practice of "body shaming," which involves criticizing, mocking, or making negative comments about someone's physical appearance. Body shaming is described as "an insidious practice that perpetuates harmful and unrealistic standards of beauty, fostering a culture of judgment and self-doubt." It has been linked to mental-health issues (e.g., low self-esteem, depression, and eating disorders). It stands in stark contrast to the ideals of the Body Positivity Movement, which seeks to nurture acceptance, appreciation, and respect for all bodies as they are.

The Fashion Industry Is Embracing Body Positivity. The good news is that body positivity is winning the fight over body shaming. This is evidenced not only by the popularity of terms like BBW and SSBBW but also a notable wave sweeping across the fashion industry, which is dismantling long-established norms and redefining the conventional standards of beauty and style. Increasingly, designers, brands, and retailers are embracing a more inclusive approach, spotlighting models of diverse shapes, sizes, and backgrounds in their campaigns.