scrawny

Imagine a little kitten rescued from the streets, all bones and big eyes, barely able to stand. That's what this word suggests. It describes someone or something that is very thin, often in a way that looks weak, bony, or not well developed. A tree can look this way if it is growing badly in poor soil, and a child or young animal can look this way if they seem too thin for their age. It is not just about being skinny; it also carries the sense of weakness or poor growth. Think of a small boy in an old story, with thin arms and a narrow frame. That is the kind of picture this word brings to mind.

The word "scrawny" paints a picture of extreme thinness mixed with weakness, boniness, or poor growth. It goes beyond simply being slender; it suggests a body or shape with very little flesh, muscle, or strength. You might describe a scrawny chicken that has not been well fed, a scrawny stray cat, or even a scrawny plant struggling to survive in harsh conditions.

It is most often used for people, animals, and other living things that look painfully thin. Sometimes this thinness suggests poor nutrition, illness, hard living conditions, or simply weak growth. The word often makes people picture something vulnerable and in need of care, although it can also sound critical or unkind.

While you can use "scrawny" to describe people, especially children or teenagers, it is not usually a flattering word. You might say, "He was a scrawny kid who later grew broad shoulders and strong legs," showing the contrast between an earlier weak, thin look and later strength.

So, if you see something that is painfully thin, bony, and looks weak or poorly developed, this is often the right word. It carries more feeling than a simple word like "thin" or "skinny," because it hints at weakness, hardship, or a lack of healthy growth.