Oh Lawd, He Comin’ – A Love Letter to Chonky Cats and the Joy They Bring
“Oh lawd, he comin’!” Four words, yet together they form a battle cry of joy, hilarity, and an instant mental image of that one cat we’ve all seen online: magnificently rotund, moving with the grace and determination of a boulder rolling down a hill. This iconic phrase isn’t just about a fat cat meme—it’s a celebration of life, the internet’s way of paying homage to cats who have, shall we say, “thrived.”
Now, let’s talk about the anatomy of a “chonk.” For those unfamiliar, “chonk” is a term affectionately applied to cats of, shall we say, substantial girth. We’re not talking about cats who are merely fluffy or slightly plump; no, these cats are the heavyweight champions of the animal world, rolling into our hearts one thudding step at a time. And the internet has crowned them royalty, creating entire charts and scales to rate a cat’s “chonky-ness”—from “A Fine Boi” to “OH LAWD HE COMIN.”
There’s something enchanting about these larger-than-life felines, a sense that they live unapologetically on their own terms. Think about it: every pound they carry is a testament to meals enjoyed, naps taken, and a lifestyle utterly indifferent to society’s standards. These cats don’t conform to the skinny expectations we might impose on ourselves. Instead, they stare us down, daring us to question their stature, their unapologetic love for the finer things in life—like that extra scoop of kibble or an unbothered afternoon snooze.
But where did this fascination with chonky cats come from? Surely, it’s more than just a cute picture on the internet. Perhaps it speaks to something deep within us. These cats, with their bold disregard for the treadmill, remind us of our own guilty pleasures, those extra helpings and “I’ll start my diet tomorrow” promises. They bring out a part of ourselves that wants to rebel against the grind, the relentless pursuit of perfection. They’re a kind of counter-culture hero, living proof that maybe—just maybe—being a little indulgent isn’t so bad.
There’s a warmth to the phrase “Oh lawd, he comin’,” something that feels akin to a chuckle shared between friends. The phrase has evolved beyond the chonky cat photo that launched it; it’s a universal expression, a shorthand for that moment when something (or someone) unstoppable is about to enter the scene, usually in spectacularly over-the-top fashion. In a way, we’ve all had our “oh lawd” moments, like when your friend arrives late to brunch with a story so wild, even the mimosas stop in mid-pour.
And what of the cats themselves? Are they aware of their status? One can only guess, but let’s be honest—most cats already think they’re deities, so the idea of internet fame probably seems like nothing more than a confirmation of what they already knew. And so, they roll on, blissfully indifferent to their viral celebrity. That’s part of the charm: a chonky cat may be a star, but he’s a star who could care less if you watch his every move.
To anyone out there blessed with a chonky companion, remember that you are in esteemed company. Cherish every belly flop, every hearty purr, every moment where your cat pauses to catch his breath before leaping onto the sofa. And to the rest of us, let’s continue to appreciate these cats from afar, celebrating their unashamed presence in a world that often tells us to be less. They remind us, perhaps, that it’s okay to be a little more—more ourselves, more joyful, and yes, sometimes a little more round.
In the end, these cats are here to teach us one simple truth: life is better when you embrace who you are. So here’s to all the chonks out there, living large and loving every minute of it.
