skinny
Skinny (adj) means Very thin, often used with a slightly negative or critical tone. Example: “He was a skinny kid who grew into his height later.”
How to use skinny
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishVery thin, low-fat, or (informally) the inside details on something.
"Skinny" (thin, sometimes unflatteringly) is not the same as "slim" or "slender," which sound more neutral or positive.
Word forms
skinnier comparative, skinnied past tense, skinnies plural, skinnies singular, skinniest superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He was a _____ kid who grew into his height later.
Etymology
From Middle English, originally meaning "resembling skin," from "skin" plus "-y."
Related words
Rhymes for skinny
See all rhymes for 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.