What does fatted mean?
Fatted describes an animal, most often a calf, that has been deliberately fed to make it plump and ready for slaughter as meat. The word functions as an adjective derived from the verb 'fat,' meaning to make or become fat, and it appears almost entirely in literary, biblical, or allusive contexts today. Its dominant use is in the phrase 'to kill the fatted calf,' drawn from the parable of the prodigal son in the Gospel of Luke, where a father slaughters a fattened calf to celebrate his wayward son's return. Because of this origin, the expression carries strong connotations of festive welcome, forgiveness, and lavish celebration. In ordinary modern prose, writers are more likely to say an animal is 'fattened' than 'fatted,' making 'fatted' feel distinctly traditional. The word remains useful precisely because of its rich cultural resonance: invoking it instantly signals abundance, homecoming, and ceremonial hospitality.
(Of an animal) fattened by feeding, especially in preparation for slaughter and consumption.
"The fatted calf grazed in the meadow until the feast day arrived."
Used almost solely in the allusion 'to kill the fatted calf' in modern English.
Past tense and past participle of 'fat': to have made or become plump by feeding.
"The farmers fatted the geese through autumn for the Christmas market."
This verbal sense is now rare; 'fattened' is preferred in contemporary usage.
The 'fatted calf' has been the symbol of celebratory welcome ever since the parable of the prodigal son — a 2,000-year-old invitation to feast.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of fatted
The adjective 'fatted' derives from the verb 'fat,' from Old English 'fǣt,' meaning both 'fat' and 'anointed, crammed with food.' It shares a common Germanic root with German 'fett' and Dutch 'vet.' The verb form fell out of common use as 'fatten' became standard, leaving 'fatted' chiefly preserved in the biblical phrase 'the fatted calf.'
How fatted is actually used
Almost exclusively used attributively before a noun ('a fatted calf'), and overwhelmingly in literary or allusive contexts rather than everyday speech. Outside of the phrase 'to kill the fatted calf,' the participle 'fattened' is more common in modern usage.
Easily confused with fatted
'Fated' means determined by destiny or doom, while 'fatted' means made plump by feeding.