This week, there is a new “f-word” on campus: fat.

From Oct. 19 to Oct. 23, the UW chapter of Delta Delta Delta sorority, or Tri Delta as it is more commonly known, is participating in Fat Talk Free Week (FTFW).

“Fat talk is any type of statement or thought that reinforces the thin ideal of beauty among women,” said Susan Woda, senior director of operations for Delta Delta Delta.

Examples of fat talk include comments like, “I am too fat,” “her legs look huge in those shorts,” and “my stomach is so flabby.”

This week Delta Delta Delta — on a local, national and international level — is aiming to put an end to this negative talk.

The way to eliminate fat talk from everyday conversation is to turn negative thoughts and conversations about body image into positive and healthier ones, said Margeaux Davitte, a senior at the UW and a member of the sorority.

According to the End Fat Talk Web site, “more than two-thirds of women ages 18-25 would rather be mean or stupid than be fat, and over 50 percent would rather be hit by a truck.”

Delta Delta Delta is working to combat what they see as negative body image among women.

“It’s a great way to support each other. Instead of saying we have to go to the gym, we say we should go to the gym because it’s healthy,” Davitte said, providing an example of how body image can be discussed in healthier terms.

This marks the second year the sorority has sponsored FTFW.

The house members realized they had a unique opportunity to reach a lot of girls through the sorority’s expansive and national network.

Last year, the positive response and support for the week was overwhelming and came from a diverse body of people. Men and women of all ages and backgrounds responded strongly, Woda said.

On campus, Delta Delta Delta members have made posters and held discussions to help promote the cause. Last year, they sent two representatives to Texas to take part in the Reflections: Body Image Program, out of which Fat Talk Free Week was fashioned.

The Reflections: Body Image Program is a body-image education and eating-disorder prevention program.

On a national level, the Delta Delta Delta sorority has created a viral Web video explaining what fat talk is and how to put an end to it. Additionally, dozens of Fat Talk Free events are happening on college campuses across the country, Woda said.

For example, Colorado State University last night hosted a fashion show that aimed to redefine the commonly held thin ideal among women, often reinforced by ultra-thin fashion models.

Next year, Davitte said, the sorority at the UW hopes to include more of campus in FTFW by hosting a campus-wide and all-inclusive event. They also strive to stop fat talk year round in everyday conversation between sisters.

Woda said: “It’s about encouraging women to take back control of how they feel and talk about their bodies.”

Reach reporter Brian Byrnes at news@dailyuw.com.