Voluptuous, in today’s language, means CURVY. That is, you have a “full” body. For example, if you have a big butt or bust, then you are voluptuous. In other words, curvy (or sometimes I call it sexy).

[Skinny people are NOT voluptuous.]

This is an example (so you would understand it better): Beyonce is voluptuous, and Paris Hilton is not.

Get the picture? 😀

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[Edit: Maybe they don’t know the meaning of the word they’re using.

They could be meaning vivacious.

vivacious – Full of animation and spirit; lively: a charming and vivacious host.]

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voluptuous – adjective

1. having strong sexual appeal;

“juicy barmaids”;

“a red-hot mama”;

“a voluptuous woman”.

2. (of a woman’s body) having a large bosom and pleasing curves;

“Hollywood seems full of curvaceous blondes”;

“a curvy young woman in a tight dress”.

WordNet® 3.0, © 2006 by Princeton University.

It’s meant as a compliment in almost every situation. I’ve never heard it used in a negative way.