What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
paunchy
Example
He had a paunchy belly from years of unhealthy eating. [paunchy: adjective]
Example
The paunchy pig waddled around the farmyard. [paunchy: adjective]
Example
The dress was too small and made her look paunchy. [paunchy: adverb]
potbellied
Example
The potbellied man struggled to tie his shoes due to his large belly. [potbellied: adjective]
Example
The potbellied pig was a popular attraction at the county fair. [potbellied: adjective]
Example
She admired the intricate designs on the potbellied vase. [potbellied: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Paunchy is slightly more common than potbellied in everyday language, as it can be used to describe any person or animal with a large belly, while potbellied is more specific to a certain type of animal.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between paunchy and potbellied?
While paunchy is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, potbellied can be used in both formal and informal contexts, allowing it to be used in a wider range of situations.