# skinny

/ˈskɪni/ (US) · /skˈɪni/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/skinny
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. very thin

adjective · CEFR A2 · Informal

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

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

- He was so skinny that his clothes looked much too big for him.
- The stray dog looked dangerously skinny, with its ribs clearly visible through its matted fur.

Teaching 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

adjective · CEFR B1

fitting very closely to the body.

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

- She bought a new pair of skinny jeans for the party.
- The current fashion trend has shifted away from skinny silhouettes toward more relaxed, wide-leg cuts.

Usage: Usually placed before the noun.

### 3. low-fat

adjective · CEFR B1 · Informal

made with low-fat milk or having fewer calories.

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

- I'll have a skinny latte with no sugar, please.
- The café offers a variety of skinny options for health-conscious customers who want to enjoy a dessert without the extra calories.

### 4. the inside information

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal · American English

the real facts or secret information about something.

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

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

Teaching tip: This is a very common idiom in American English but is rarely used in formal writing.

## Examples

- Give me the skinny on the new boss.
- Before the meeting started, I asked my colleague for the skinny on why the project was being cancelled.
- While the official press release was vague, the local reporters were busy trying to get the skinny from their sources inside the mayor's office.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.