English Expressions
Hi friends what does dumpling mean in this context? I know dumpling can mean fat or chubby but I think it does not make sense here so I think it probably means expression or look here. Thanks in advance.

1. In an untidy office with a view over the rooftops of the city I faced a small, beady-eyed dumpling of a lady, who sailed into attack as soon as I came through the door.

Question

English Expressions
Hi friends what does dumpling mean in this context? I know dumpling can mean fat or chubby but I think it does not make sense here so I think it probably means expression or look here. Thanks in advance.

1. In an untidy office with a view over the rooftops of the city I faced a small, beady-eyed dumpling of a lady, who sailed into attack as soon as I came through the door.

Answer

The expression comes from 'dumpling' in cooking which is a small, roundish ball of dough.
So if you use it to describe an adult you are comparing them somewhat to this ball of dough - they are short and round. Not a positive description ! This is the meaning in your example.

But this negative meaning is not always the case. Sometimes people may use the term 'dumpling' in a positive sense  as a word of endearment to someone they are affectionate with. But that's not the case of course in your example.

Answer

Thanks a lot

Answer

it means short/chubby/stocky/fattish

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