The Meaning & Origins of “Thunder Thighs”

PDF download Download Article
Understanding this slang idiom & if it’s polite
PDF download Download Article

“Thunder thighs” is an English slang idiom that means someone has large or muscular thighs. This phrase is generally considered offensive and rude, though some people see it as a compliment. In this article, we’ll tell you what “thunder thighs” means, whether it’s polite, when it’s safe to use, and where this slang term comes from. Read on to learn more!

“Thunder Thighs” Definition

“Thunder thighs” is an unflattering slang term that refers to someone having thick or muscular thighs. It comes from the idea that large thighs make loud noises when they touch, just like thunder. “Thunder thighs” is generally considered an insult, so avoid saying it even if you mean it as a compliment.

Section 1 of 3:

What does “thunder thighs” mean?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/78\/What-Are-Thunder-Thighs-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Are-Thunder-Thighs-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/78\/What-Are-Thunder-Thighs-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Are-Thunder-Thighs-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    “Thunder thighs” is an English idiom that refers to someone who is thought to have fat, thick, or muscular thighs. It is generally seen as an insult or an unflattering term that is used to mock people with large thighs. [1]
    • In general, “thunder thighs” is used more often to describe women than men.
    2. Advertisement
Section 2 of 3:

Is “thunder thighs” a compliment?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c7\/What-Are-Thunder-Thighs-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Are-Thunder-Thighs-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c7\/What-Are-Thunder-Thighs-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Are-Thunder-Thighs-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    “Thunder thighs” is generally seen as a rude or offensive term to describe someone’s body. Avoid telling a friend, partner, family member, acquaintance, or stranger that they have “thunder thighs,” as this can hurt their feelings and make them feel insecure or ashamed of their body.
    • It’s common for people to worry about their appearance and feel pressured to conform to society’s “ideal” body standards. Being teased about their body or hearing that they have “thunder thighs” can cause them to develop a negative body image and low self-esteem. [2]
    • It can feel hurtful when someone comments on your body. To feel better about your body , recognize all the things it allows you to do. [3] If you catch yourself thinking negatively about your body, replace the thoughts with neutral or positive ones, like “I am thankful for my body,” or “My body is strong and beautiful.” [4]
    • When someone negatively comments on your body, take a deep breath and tell them how their words make you feel . For instance, tell them, “I don’t appreciate your comment. My body is none of your business.”
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/05\/What-Are-Thunder-Thighs-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Are-Thunder-Thighs-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/05\/What-Are-Thunder-Thighs-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Are-Thunder-Thighs-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    There’s nothing wrong with having large thighs, as there’s no right or wrong way to have a body. Lots of people find large thighs beautiful and strong, so they see “thunder thighs” as a compliment that celebrates people of all shapes and sizes. [5]
    • Many people who have large thighs are proud and in love with their bodies. Some people want thicker thighs or are attracted to people with large thighs.
    • Even if you see “thunder thighs” as a compliment, most people still consider it an insult. Avoid telling someone they have “thunder thighs” unless they proudly comment on them.
    • In general, it’s best to avoid commenting on someone’s appearance, as they might be sensitive about their body. [6] If you’re unsure whether it’s okay to compliment their looks, compliment their personality or skills instead.
    3. Advertisement
Section 3 of 3:

The Origins of “Thunder Thighs”

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/ff\/What-Are-Thunder-Thighs-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Are-Thunder-Thighs-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/ff\/What-Are-Thunder-Thighs-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Are-Thunder-Thighs-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Thunder is well known for the loud, booming sounds it makes after lightning strikes. Some people believe that large thighs also make loud, booming sounds when they clap or rub together. So, people call large thighs “thunder thighs” due to the thunder-like noises they are believed to make.

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      What Does “Pookie” Mean? Plus, How to Use It
      200+ Best Expressions to Say “I Love You More than…”
      What Does W/ Mean over Text or Online?
      What's a Twunk? Definition, When to Use & More
      What Does “Awww” Mean? Definition, Responses & More
      Signs That Someone Has "Golden Retriever Energy"
      Funny Ways to Say Hello: 45 Cool and Creative Options
      What Does "Have a Great Weekend" Mean? Replying In Person & Over Text
      Are Evening and Night the Same Thing? Not Exactly.
      What Does "BBL" Mean? Definition & Uses on Social Media and More
      What Does WYD Mean? Snapchat, Texting, and More
      What Does "Hear Me Out" Mean? Plus, How to Use It
      What Does “I Love You 3000” Mean and What Do You Say Back?
      How to
      Use “It Was a Pleasure Working with You” (Plus, the Best Alternatives)
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/Thunder+thighs
      2. ↑ https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/articles/body-image-report-executive-summary/body-image-childhood
      3. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/body-image.html
      4. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/body-positivity-vs-body-neutrality/
      5. ↑ https://www.npr.org/2017/07/02/534870380/thunder-thighs-the-summer-anthem-that-celebrates-every-woman
      6. ↑ https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/articles/body-image-report-executive-summary/body-image-childhood
      7. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/in-depth/exercise/art-20050999

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 47,206 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement