adjectival precedence

[buggles]

Are there any rules which govern the precedence of adjectives?
e.g. "a big fat black cat" sounds right whereas " a fat big black cat" doesn't.
Is it just usage which enables native speakers of English to "know" what's right or wrong or can "correct" order be taught?

[Anglika]

This may help you: 410 Grammar: Adjective Order

[BobK]

...
Is it just usage which enables native speakers of English to "know" what's right or wrong or can "correct" order be taught?

Both! No-one taught me the rules, but no native speaker ever said 'the red big bus' so I learnt at a fairly young age that size came before colour. Anglika's link is what you need.

b

[buggles]

Many thanks-the link has really clarified the situation for me.