Every part of modern society is constantly developing and changing. It can even feel a little hard to keep up sometimes. We, the people, are the ones creating culture and terminology across our societies, but that doesn’t mean we all know what’s going on all the time, or are even up to date on all the lingo.
How Does Language Change Over Time?
One area of life that develops at a rapid pace is language. New words are always being created, old words are given new or expanded definitions—even sentence structures can change as words morph; for example, think of a word like “Facebook.” Everyone knows Facebook refers to the popular social media platform commonly used for updating others about your life and messaging friends. In this context, Facebook is a noun. But the definition of the word has morphed over time so that now it can also be used as a verb; you can say you “facebooked,” meaning the action of using the app. The reason words transform to carry more meanings is because of the way people use them until they’re widely accepted as fact.
What Does the Word ‘PAWG’ Mean?
PAWG is one of those new words that you probably don’t yet have as a part of your understood vocabulary. Sometimes you hear an unfamiliar word spoken or read it online and question the meaning, so you make a note to look it up later. Other times you hear or read a new word often enough in a short period of time (say, if it’s a very popular term) and you can pick up the meaning without needing to search the internet for the definition.
When it comes to the word PAWG, your experience is probably the former. The term is not used super often, as it has a very specific meaning and one that can actually be considered quite offensive.
PAWG is an acronym for ‘Phat A** White Girl’; it’s used to refer to a white woman with a large derriere. While typically reserved for a woman the speaker considers attractive, the term is still largely offensive because of the speaker’s referral to the woman’s body in a way that places value on her appearance. Also, this slang word is considered to be both sexist and insulting due to the way it carries the feeling that the speaker is labeling a woman in this way behind her back, which implies commentary on a woman’s body between two or more people.
What Are the Possible origins of the Word ‘PAWG’?
PAWG possibly originated in the early 2000s (it was first recorded in 2004) and may have started in the rap music scene of the 1990s, since its close counterpart, the word PHAT, was popularized in this way. In the large gap of time between 2004 and 2022, PAWG probably faded off the radar but re-entered mainstream media through social media. Now, it is sometimes used as a hashtag in order to bring attention to one’s post from those who know the meaning.
Taking a look at the similar term PHAT may help bring clarity to how PAWG got its start. PHAT as a term is an acronym standing for ‘Pretty, Hot, And Thick’; understandably, it can also be offensive for the way it reduces women to their physical appearance in a way that is commented on and probably compared against other women. The word phat is used in varying ways to describe something appealing, superb, or attractive.
With the definition and origin of PAWG in mind, and taking into consideration the similar word PHAT, it can be concluded that PAWG is derogatory and sexist, so definitely consider your use of this word before saying or typing it.
Where Can You Find New Words?
If you want to keep up with the everchanging lingo, slang, and uses for popular words, you might be wondering where you can go to find word definitions. The site The Word Counter is a great tool for vocabulary because its extensive blog posts keep users up to date on word meanings. Plus, their Word Compare tool directly contrasts words with those of similar meaning or sound to help clarify your understanding. If you want to expand your vocabulary, you should utilize this platform.
Also, the website Urban Dictionary can help you find word definitions. It is collectively created by internet users; this way, because many people from all different locations and backgrounds are contributing, the site is able to stay up to date on new word uses at all times.
Takeaway
You can find information about new and changed-definition words on a few websites to expand your vocabulary. As far as the term PAWG goes, its meaning is considered offensive in most contexts, so definitely be careful about throwing this word around.