too skinny

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "too skinny" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is excessively thin, often in a negative context regarding health or appearance. Example: "The dress looked beautiful, but it was too skinny for her frame."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

'Too skinny!

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Too skinny, too fat.

The New Yorker

"They're probably too skinny.

The New York Times - Magazine

I was too skinny.

The New Yorker

"You're too skinny".

The New Yorker

"I'm too skinny," Kirsten said.

The New Yorker

Miss Lora was too skinny.

The New Yorker

One other thing: "Don't be too skinny".

The New York Times

"She's too skinny," Poppo told me.

The New Yorker

The perfect candidate"He's too skinny.

The Economist

"They're too skinny," Mr. Altschuler sneered.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "too skinny", consider the context and audience. In some situations, it may be more appropriate to use a more sensitive or descriptive term like "underweight" or "unhealthily thin".

Common error

Avoid using "too skinny" in situations where body shaming or promoting unhealthy body image is a risk. Focus on health and well-being rather than appearance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "too skinny" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, indicating that the noun possesses an undesirable degree of thinness. As seen in Ludwig, this phrase is often used to express concern or judgment about someone's weight or appearance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "too skinny" is a common and grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe excessive thinness. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts, though sensitivity is advised when discussing body image. While alternatives like "underweight" or "excessively thin" might be more appropriate in certain situations, "too skinny" remains a frequently used expression in news, media, and informal conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excessively thin

Replaces "too" with "excessively", emphasizing a greater degree of thinness.

underweight

Uses a medical term to describe being below a healthy weight.

unhealthily thin

Highlights the negative health implications of being too skinny.

dangerously underweight

Emphasizes the potential health risks associated with extreme thinness.

gaunt

Describes a thin and bony appearance, often associated with illness or starvation.

emaciated

Indicates a severe loss of weight and body fat, usually due to illness or malnutrition.

skin and bones

A more figurative and emphatic way of saying someone is extremely thin.

excessively slender

A more polite way of expressing that someone is too skinny.

alarmingly thin

Highlights the concerning nature of someone's thinness.

wasting away

Suggests a gradual and concerning loss of weight and health.

FAQs

What does "too skinny" mean?

The phrase "too skinny" is used to describe someone or something that is excessively thin, often implying it is unhealthy or undesirable. It suggests the subject is thinner than what is considered normal or healthy.

When is it appropriate to use the term "too skinny"?

It's generally appropriate when discussing health concerns or physical requirements where body mass is a factor. However, be mindful of the context to avoid causing offense or promoting negative body image. Consider more neutral terms like "underweight" in sensitive situations.

What are some alternative ways to say "too skinny"?

You can use alternatives like "excessively thin", "unhealthily thin", or simply "underweight" depending on the context and the level of formality required.

Is it ever okay to comment on someone being "too skinny"?

It's generally best to avoid commenting on someone's weight unless you are a healthcare professional and there's a legitimate health concern. Focus on well-being and avoid perpetuating potentially harmful body image standards.