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How to say "Describing a thin person: slim vs. skinny" in English

You want to say someone is thin, but not insult them. 'Slim' and 'skinny' sound close—until you use them on a real person.

slim
positive, polite, or admiring
skinny
negative, worried, or a little rude

The verdict

If you want to be kind, say slim. Skinny often sounds critical or like you think someone is too thin.

slim: in use

She looks so slim in that dress.

skinny: in use

He got really skinny after being sick.

Skip: "thin" — Sounds clinical or even sickly—nobody uses it as a compliment.

Stick with slim unless you mean it as a warning, not a compliment.

Practice saying these out loud →