knöchrig

Knöchrig is a German adjective describing a bony, gaunt appearance. It is used for people or animals whose flesh is sparse and whose bones are visibly prominent, giving a skeletal or malnourished impression. The term can also refer to something that resembles bone in texture or structure, though this figurative use is less common and often metaphorical.

Etymology and related forms: knöchrig is formed from Knochen (bone) with the suffix -ig, a common way to create adjectives in German. The standard spelling includes the umlaut ö. In contexts requiring ASCII, the form koe chrig may appear, but knoechrig is less common in modern usage. Related terms include knochig (similarly meaning bony) and hager or mager (gaunt or thin), with knöchrig typically conveying a stronger, more skeletal sense.

Usage notes: In reference to people, knöchrig usually signals extreme leanness due to malnutrition, illness, or intense physical strain. In neutral or clinical contexts, more exact terms such as untergewichtig (underweight) or mager (skinny) may be preferred. The word can carry a harsh or unflattering nuance and should be used with sensitivity, particularly when describing a person’s physique.

See also: knochig, hager, mager, ausgemergelt. In medical or nutritional discussions, more precise descriptors for weight status or condition are common.