skinny
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˈskɪni/
KK: /ˈskɪni/
adjective
Definition
Very thin or having little flesh on the body.
Example
She wore a skinny dress that hugged her figure tightly.
Comparatives & Superlatives
Comparative: skinnier
Superlative: skinniest
Conversation
Have you noticed how skinny Sam has become lately?
Yeah, he looks really different now.
I wonder if he's been working out or just not eating enough.
Maybe it's both; he did mention he's trying to stay fit.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
slim
thin
lean
Antonyms
fat
plump
heavy
noun
Definition
A term used in slang to refer to inside information or the true facts about a situation.
Example
I finally got the skinny on what happened at the meeting.
Conversation
Hey, do you know the skinny on what happened at the party last night?
Yeah, I heard it got pretty wild!
I want the full story, so spill the skinny!
Root Explanation
Skinny originates from the Middle English word 'skinny', which is a diminutive form of 'skin' (from Old Norse 'skinn', meaning skin or hide). The suffix '-y' indicates a characteristic or quality. Thus, 'skinny' describes someone or something that has the quality of being very thin, like skin.
Memory Tip
Think of 'skin' as a reference to being very thin, and the '-y' suggests a characteristic. This helps you remember that 'skinny' means having the quality of being very thin.
Visually Confused Words
shinny