Skin and bones Meaning in English
expression
ˈskɪn/ /ˈænd/, /ənd/ /ˈboʊnz
SKIN-and-BOHNZ
skˈɪn/ /ˈænd/ /bˈəʊnz
skin-AND-BOHNZ
Definition
A phrase used to describe someone who is extremely thin, looking as if they only have skin covering their bones.
Usage & Nuances
Informal and often used with concern or shock. It typically describes someone who has lost a lot of weight, usually due to illness or not eating enough. Avoid using it in a rude or insensitive way.
Spanish: piel y huesosPortuguese (BR): pele e ossoPortuguese (PT): pele e ossoChinese (Simplified): 皮包骨Chinese (Traditional): 皮包骨Hindi: हड्डी और चमड़ीArabic: جلد وعظمBengali: চামড়া আর হাড়Russian: кожа да костиJapanese: 骨と皮Vietnamese: da bọc xươngKorean: 뼈와 가죽Turkish: deri kemikUrdu: ہڈیاں اور کھالIndonesian: kulit dan tulang
Example Sentences
After being sick for weeks, he was just skin and bones.
basic
The stray dog was skin and bones when we found it.
basic
She looks skin and bones because she hasn't been eating.
basic
Wow, you’re skin and bones! Are you feeling alright?
natural
Ever since he started that extreme diet, he’s turned into skin and bones.
natural
I barely recognized him—he’s literally skin and bones now.
natural