skin and bones
Meaning
Extremely thin; having very little body fat or flesh, often suggesting someone looks undernourished or unhealthy.
Origin
A vivid metaphor contrasting only the outer skin and the skeleton, implying thereβs almost no flesh left. Recorded in English for centuries to describe extreme thinness.
Notes
Strongly emphasizes extreme thinness and often implies concern (illness, hunger, over-dieting). Can sound rude or insensitive if said directly about someone.
Examples
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After the long illness, he was nothing but skin and bones.
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When the rescue team found the lost hiker, she was skin and bones.
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The stray cat was skin and bones, so we took it to the vet.
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He started eating properly again because he didnβt want to end up skin and bones.
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By the end of the harsh winter, the deer looked like skin and bones.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used predicatively: βbe (nothing but) skin and bones.β Often without articles; may appear as βjust/all skin and bones.β
Synonyms
- emaciated
- gaunt
- skeletal
- as thin as a rail
Antonyms
- plump
- well-fed
- full-figured