How to say it · Describing people

Describing a thin person: slim vs. skinny

English has lots of words for thin, and some are compliments while others sound worried or rude. Pick the wrong one and a kind remark lands badly.

6 ways to say it

How it soundsKindHarsh

slimbest compliment thinneutral fact skinnycasual, risky leanfit and strong slendergraceful skin and boneworrying

Way 1 · best compliment

slim

Thin in an attractive, healthy way. The safe word to use about someone's body.

How it soundsVery kind

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

You look really slim in that dress.

He's tall and slim, with short dark hair.

In a conversation

A: Be honest. Do I look OK in this?
B: You look great. That cut makes you look really slim.

Common mistake

Not: ~~She is~~ very ~~skinny, so~~ beautiful.

Say: She's very slim and really beautiful.

"Skinny" can suggest too thin. As a compliment, "slim" is always safer.

Practice saying this

Next: thin

Way 2 · neutral fact

thin

Just a description. Said to someone's face, it can sound like you're worried about them.

How it soundsMiddle

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

The man was thin, about forty, with a grey coat.

You look a bit thin. Are you eating properly?

Common mistake

Not: My hair is very ~~skinny.~~

Say: My hair is very thin.

Hair, paper, walls and ice are "thin". "Skinny" and "slim" are only for bodies, legs and clothes.

Practice saying this

Next: skinny

Way 3 · casual, risky

skinny

Very thin, often a bit too thin. Fine for kids, clothes and jokes; risky about adults.

How it soundsHarsh

ToneCasual

Use itWith friends

Examples

He was a skinny kid, but he's built like a rugby player now.

These skinny jeans are too tight.

Practice saying this

Next: lean

Way 4 · fit and strong

lean

Thin with muscle and very little fat. Used for sporty, fit people.

How it soundsKind

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

Marathon runners tend to be lean.

He's lean and strong from years of climbing.

In a conversation

A: Your brother's really fit, isn't he?
B: Yeah, he's lean from all the cycling.

Practice saying this

Next: slender

Way 5 · graceful

slender

Thin and elegant. More common in writing, and often about hands, legs or arms.

How it soundsVery kind

ToneFormal

Use itAnywhere

Examples

She had long, slender fingers, like a pianist.

The dancer was tall and slender.

Practice saying this

Next: skin and bone

Way 6 · worrying

skin and bone

Dangerously thin. People say it with concern, usually after illness or stress.

How it soundsVery harsh

ToneCasual

Use itAnywhere

Examples

After the hospital, he was just skin and bone.

Grandma said I was skin and bone and made me eat seconds.

In a conversation

A: Have you seen Dan since his operation?
B: Yes. He's skin and bone, poor thing.

Practice saying this

Test yourself: which would you say?

Pick the right one

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slim thin skinny lean

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