What does "skinny" mean?

1. (very thin) very thin, often in a way that looks unhealthy or unattractive. 2. (tight-fitting) fitting very closely to the body. 3. (low-fat) made with low-fat milk or having fewer calories. 4. (the inside information) the real facts or secret information about something.

How do you use "skinny"?

Usually placed before the noun. Almost always used with the definite article as 'the skinny'.

skinny

adj. · n.

US //ˈskɪni// UK //skˈɪni// skin·ny

1 very thin (adj.)
A2 Elementary Informal

very thin, often in a way that looks unhealthy or unattractive.

excessively thin or emaciated in appearance; often carries a slightly negative or critical connotation compared to 'slim'.

Example

He was so skinny that his clothes looked much too big for him.

Example

The stray dog looked dangerously skinny, with its ribs clearly visible through its matted fur.

Teacher's tip

Remind students that 'skinny' can be an insult. 'Slim' or 'slender' are better words if they want to give a compliment.
2 tight-fitting (adj.)
B1 Intermediate

fitting very closely to the body.

designed to fit the body very tightly, particularly used in the context of denim or trousers.

Example

She bought a new pair of skinny jeans for the party.

Example

The current fashion trend has shifted away from skinny silhouettes toward more relaxed, wide-leg cuts.

Usage

Usually placed before the noun.
- tight
- form fitting
- baggy
- loose

Show 2 more sensesShow fewer

3 low-fat (adj.)
B1 Intermediate Informal Cooking

made with low-fat milk or having fewer calories.

referring to food or drink, especially coffee, prepared with skimmed milk or reduced fat content.

Example

I'll have a skinny latte with no sugar, please.

Example

The café offers a variety of skinny options for health-conscious customers who want to enjoy a dessert without the extra calories.
- low fat
- skimmed
- diet
- full fat
4 the inside information (n.)
C1 Advanced Informal American English

the real facts or secret information about something.

the underlying facts, details, or 'inside' information regarding a specific situation, often obtained through gossip.

Example

Give me the skinny on the new boss — is she nice?

Example

Before the merger was officially announced, the employees were already trying to get the skinny on potential job cuts.

Usage

Almost always used with the definite article as 'the skinny'.

Teacher's tip

This is a very common idiom in American English but is rarely used in formal writing.
- info
- lowdown
- scoop

Origin

From Middle English skinny (“resembling skin”), equivalent to skin + -y. The meaning associated with lack of fat or muscle possibly derives from the phrase skin and bones; the meaning associated with nudity refers to the exposed skin.

Idioms2 entries