skinny
12 synonyms and 1 antonym for skinny, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Very thin, often used with a slightly negative or critical tone.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use skinny
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
skinny jeans
skinny latte
get the skinny
Etymology
From Middle English, originally meaning "resembling skin," from "skin" plus "-y."
Full origin of skinny →Frequently asked questions
What does “skinny” mean?
The word “skinny” means very thin, often used with a slightly negative or critical tone. In plain terms, very thin, low-fat, or (informally) the inside details on something.
How do you pronounce “skinny”?
“Skinny” is pronounced SKIH-nee (/ˈskɪni/ in IPA).
How do you use “skinny” in a sentence?
Here is “skinny” used in a sentence: “He was a skinny kid who grew into his height later.”
What part of speech is “skinny”?
Depending on how it is used, “skinny” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “skinny” come from?
The word “skinny” comes from Middle English. From Middle English, originally meaning "resembling skin," from "skin" plus "-y.".
Is “skinny” a common word?
“Skinny” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “skinny” have?
“Skinny” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: very thin, often used with a slightly negative or critical tone.
Is it rude to call someone skinny?
It can be. Skinny often carries a slightly negative or critical tone, suggesting a person is too thin, so many people take it as unflattering. If you mean it as a compliment, slim or slender are safer choices.
What is the difference between skinny and slim?
Both describe a thin person, but the tone differs. Slim is a positive, complimentary word suggesting an attractively lean build, while skinny hints that someone is excessively or unhealthily thin.
