skinnier

Skinnier is the comparative form of the adjective skinny. It describes someone or something that is more slender or less fat than another reference point. In usage, it typically appears in comparisons: for example, “She is skinnier than her sister” or “The dog looks skinnier after the change in diet.” It is most commonly applied to people or animals; for inanimate objects, thinner or leaner is often preferred.

Etymology and grammar: Skinny comes from English and historically means thin or slender. The suffix -ier forms the comparative degree, yielding skinnier to indicate a greater degree of slenderness. As a standard adjective, skinnier follows typical comparative constructions and is used with than or in phrases that imply relative size.

Usage notes: The term is informal and can carry neutral, mildly negative, or sensitive connotations depending on context and tone. In health, fashion, or body-image discussions, speakers may choose more neutral alternatives such as thinner, leaner, or more slender to avoid implying unhealthy or undesirable body size.

Related terms: Other comparative forms include thinner, slimmer, leaner, and more slender. Antonyms include fatter and heavier. The choice among these words often depends on precision and nuance, with thinner or leaner emphasizing overall size, and skinnier emphasizing relative slenderness in comparison.

See also: Adjectives and degrees of comparison; body image language; descriptive terms for size and shape.