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by Answerbag Staff on February 19th, 2010

Answerbag Staff

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Can calling someone fat get you in trouble?

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  • by Russell Huebsch on February 19th, 2010

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    Great Answer

    Professionally Researched. (What's this?)

    On One Hand: It Happened To A Doctor

    According to MSNBC, in 2005, a New Hampshire patient filed a complaint with her state health board because her doctor called her obese. The potential consequences for making derogatory statements toward a patient could be as severe as losing a medical license in some states.

    On the Other: For The Average Person, Probably Not

    In order for someone to sue you for slander or libel you would have to make an intentionally false statement, according to the Media Law Resource Center. Name-calling generally does not fall under libel because it is nearly impossible to prove or disprove.

    Bottom Line

    You are unlikely to see any meaningful repercussions from calling somebody fat. However, you should keep in mind that most people consider poking fun at someone's weight a social taboo. Instead of calling someone fat, you could help them start an exercise regimen.

    Source:

    MSNBC: Doctor in trouble for calling patient obese

    Media Law Resource Center: Frequently Asked Media Law Questions

    Yahoo! Health: Is it ever OK to call someone fat -- to their face?

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