HWP - meaning and definition
Alsoheight/weight proportionateheight weight proportionalproportionate weight
Definition
Short for "height/weight proportionate": a personal-ad phrase meaning someone is, or wants a partner who is, of so-called average build for their height.
At a glance
- Means 'height/weight proportionate', a so-called average build for one's height.
- Comes from classified personal ads.
- Usually appears as a requirement, such as 'HWP only'.
- Widely seen as a coded way of excluding larger bodies.
In detail
HWP comes from classified personal ads and still appears on some profiles, usually as a requirement ("HWP only"). It is widely seen as a coded way of excluding larger bodies.
Attraction is personal, but body-based exclusions in public profiles can be hurtful and often say more about the writer than they intend.
In a sentence
- Saw 'HWP only' on a profile and realised it's just a polite way of excluding bigger people.
- Instead of HWP, maybe just say you're into hiking and want an active partner.
Where the word comes from
HWP comes from newspaper and early online personal ads, where short codes saved space and money.
Common questions
Why do some people object to HWP?
Because it publicly filters out people based on body size, and many readers take it as a polite form of body-shaming. Describing what you enjoy doing together usually gives a better picture.