Boney: meaning, definitions and examples
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boney
[ ˈboʊni ]
physical appearance
The term 'boney' typically refers to a person or creature that is very thin, with prominent bones that are easily visible. It often carries connotations of being underweight or lacking in flesh.
Synonyms
gaunt, scrawny, slender, thin.
Examples of usage
- He looked boney after weeks of illness.
- The stray dog was incredibly boney, needing a good meal.
- She felt boney and frail after her diet.
Etymology
The word 'boney' is derived from the word 'bone', which has its origins in Old English 'bān' (related to the Dutch 'been' and German 'Bone'). The suffix '-y' is often added in English to create adjectives, suggesting a quality or characteristic related to the noun. The evolution of 'boney' captures the visual and tactile aspects of someone or something that is characterized by visible bones. The connotation of the word often suggests negative aspects of thinness, such as frailty or malnutrition, and has been used in various cultural contexts to describe not just humans but animals as well.