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Skimpy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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skimpy

[หˆskษชmpi ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

clothing

brief and revealing; scanty or skimpy in fabric

Synonyms

revealing, scanty, short.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
skimpy

Used to describe clothing that covers very little of the body and may be seen as inadequate or insufficient in size. Often carries a slightly negative or critical connotation.

  • She was wearing a skimpy dress that barely covered her knees.
  • The budget for the project was pretty skimpy.
revealing

Refers to clothing that shows a lot of the body, often used in a context where the exposure is intentional. Can be neutral but sometimes implies a moral or social judgment.

  • Her dress was very revealing, showing off her back and legs.
  • The movie contains some scenes with revealing outfits.
scanty

Describes clothing that is very minimal and leaves a lot of the body exposed. Often implies insufficiency or inadequacy and can carry a negative connotation.

  • Her scanty outfit drew a lot of attention at the party.
  • In such cold weather, her clothing seemed rather scanty.
short

Used to describe clothing that does not extend very far down the body, such as shorts or short skirts. Generally neutral but context can influence whether it seems positive or negative.

  • He wore a pair of short pants and a t-shirt.
  • The dancers wore short skirts for their performance.

Examples of usage

  • she was wearing a skimpy bikini at the beach
  • the actress wore a skimpy dress to the red carpet event
Context #2 | Adjective

amount

lacking in size or quantity; meager

Synonyms

inadequate, meager, scant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
skimpy

This word is often used to describe clothing that is too small or does not cover much of the body. It can also be used to describe something that is lacking in quantity or quality. The word can sometimes have a negative connotation.

  • She wore a skimpy dress to the party.
  • The lunch portions were pretty skimpy.
meager

This word describes something that is very small in amount or not enough in quantity. It often carries a negative connotation, suggesting that what is available is not satisfactory.

  • His meager earnings were not enough to support his family.
  • The evidence was meager and did not support the claims.
scant

This word is used to describe something that is barely sufficient or minimal in quantity. It can have a negative connotation, implying that more is needed.

  • There was scant evidence to support the theory.
  • The region receives scant rainfall each year.
inadequate

This word is used to describe something that is not sufficient or not enough for a specific need. It often has a negative connotation, implying that what is present falls short of requirements.

  • The funding was inadequate for the project.
  • She felt her skills were inadequate for the job.

Examples of usage

  • the skimpy portion of food left him hungry
  • the skimpy budget forced them to cut costs

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Fashion

  • In fashion, skimpy outfits often refer to items that provide minimal coverage, like certain swimwear or summer dresses.
  • Skimpy clothing can be a subject of social discussions on body image and fashion norms, often sparking debates about appropriateness.
  • The popularity of skimpy styles fluctuates with changing cultural trends and seasonal preferences.

Cultural Perceptions

  • In various cultures, skimpy clothing can reflect differing views on modesty, with some celebrating body positivity while others emphasize covering up.
  • The portrayal of skimpy clothes in media and advertising often raises discussions about sexuality and empowerment in women's fashion.
  • Skimpy styles are more accepted in some contextsโ€”like beachwearโ€”while being frowned upon in more formal or conservative settings.

Social Context

  • Skimpy can describe anything that feels insufficient; for instance, skimpy supplies in a classroom can reflect poor funding or resources.
  • Using the term can convey criticism or humor in social situations, often to denote lack of generosity or completeness.
  • It can also portray a playful challenge to social norms when someone intentionally chooses to wear less.

Psychological Implications

  • Wearing skimpy clothing can influence how individuals feel about themselves, affecting confidence levels and body image.
  • Cultural pressures around skimpy clothing can create anxiety for many, as societal expectations play a significant role in self-perception.
  • The reaction to skimpy outfits can reveal biases, highlighting how people might judge others based on clothing choices.

Origin of 'skimpy'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the 1930s, originating from the word 'skim,' which means to take off the top layer, hinting at something being small or insufficient.
  • Skimpy was used to describe food portions that were inadequate, suggesting a lack of abundance.
  • The term is often associated with styles or trends that show less coverage, particularly in clothing.

The word 'skimpy' originated in the late 19th century and is believed to be derived from the word 'skimp', which means to be stingy or economize. It first appeared in English to describe clothes that were scanty or revealing. Over time, it has also been used to describe things that are insufficient or inadequate in size or quantity. The word has evolved to become a common term in casual and descriptive language.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,862, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.