kummerspeck
Kummerspeck is a German loanword that translates literally to "grief bacon." It refers to the excess weight gained as a result of emotional overeating, typically during periods of stress, heartbreak, or sadness. The mental image is of someone seeking comfort in food, with the resulting weight gain acting as a physical manifestation of their emotional burden. While the term is humorous and slightly self-deprecating, it is used casually to acknowledge the link between emotional state and dietary habits. It is not generally used in medical contexts, but rather in social settings among friends to describe the "comfort weight" one might put on after a difficult life event.
In conversation
Post-breakup catch up
I’ve been eating nothing but pizza for three weeks.
I’ve been eating nothing but pizza for three weeks.
Don't worry about it, that's just some classic kummerspeck.
Don't worry about it, that's just some classic kummerspeck.
Used here to normalize and lighten the mood regarding weight gain after a breakup.
Discussing a stressful project
I think I’ve gained five pounds since this project started.
I think I’ve gained five pounds since this project started.
It's just work-related kummerspeck; it'll come off when the deadline passes.
It's just work-related kummerspeck; it'll come off when the deadline passes.
Used to attribute physical weight gain specifically to a temporary stressful situation.
Examples
I gained some kummerspeck after my dog passed away.
I gained some kummerspeck after my dog passed away.
She tried to lose the kummerspeck she acquired during her long, stressful semester.
She tried to lose the kummerspeck she acquired during her long, stressful semester.
Though he laughed off his kummerspeck, it was clear that the recent string of personal failures had taken a toll on his health.
Though he laughed off his kummerspeck, it was clear that the recent string of personal failures had taken a toll on his health.
