Skinny Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ‘–
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skinny

[หˆskษชni ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

describing a person

Having an unattractively thin or bony appearance. Synonyms include thin, slim, slender, gaunt.

Examples of usage

  • She used to be skinny, but now she's put on some weight.
  • He was always self-conscious about his skinny arms.
  • I wish I could be as skinny as her.
  • The skinny model walked confidently down the runway.
  • Despite his skinny frame, he was surprisingly strong.
Context #2 | Noun

informal information or details

The inside information or facts on a particular situation. Synonyms include details, information, facts.

Examples of usage

  • Give me the skinny on what's happening at work.
  • I don't have all the skinny on that situation yet.
  • She always knows the skinny on celebrity gossip.
  • The skinny is that we're getting a new boss soon.
  • Can you fill me in on the skinny about the project?

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Cultural Perspectives

  • In some cultures, being skinny is considered fashionable or ideal, often influencing trends in clothing and lifestyle.
  • The portrayal of skinny bodies in media has sparked debates about body image and self-esteem among individuals.

Health and Nutrition

  • Being skinny isn't always a sign of good health; sometimes it can indicate malnutrition or health issues.
  • A balanced diet and regular exercise are important for maintaining a healthy body weight, regardless of being considered skinny or not.

Psychology

  • Some research suggests that societal pressures can influence how people perceive their body image, often leading to issues like body dysmorphia.
  • The quest for a 'skinny' body can affect mental health, with significant impacts on self-esteem and body confidence.

Literature

  • In literary works, characters described as skinny often symbolize vulnerability, uniqueness, or social awkwardness.
  • Many authors use descriptions of body types, including being skinny, to convey deeper themes around identity and societal norms.

Origin of 'skinny'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the 14th century, deriving from the Middle English word 'skin,' meaning โ€˜having a skinโ€™ or โ€˜thin like skin.โ€™
  • Originally, it was used in an affectionate way but has evolved to sometimes describe a lack of flesh.

The word 'skinny' originated in the 16th century from the word 'skin', referring to the thin layer of tissue covering the body. Over time, it evolved to describe something or someone as very thin or narrow. In the early 20th century, 'skinny' also took on the meaning of 'inside information', possibly originating from the idea of information being 'bare' or 'exposed'. Today, 'skinny' is commonly used to describe both a person's physical appearance and to refer to informal details or facts.


See also: skin, skinnier.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,795, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.