The phrase "nothing but skin" describes someone who is extremely thin, to the point of appearing emaciated. It vividly conveys an image of severe skinniness, suggesting that very little flesh or muscle remains on a person's body.
Understanding the Expression
This expression emphasizes a profound lack of body fat and muscle, making the bones very prominent. It is often used to highlight a dramatic loss of weight or a state of being painfully underweight.
- Extreme Thinness: The core meaning points to an individual being painfully thin.
- Emaciation: It implies a state of being wasted away physically, often due to illness, starvation, or intense physical exertion without adequate nourishment.
"Skin and Bones" – A Common Expansion
The phrase "nothing but skin" is frequently expanded to "nothing but skin and bones." This longer version is perhaps more commonly heard and reinforces the image of a person whose bones are clearly visible beneath their skin due to extreme thinness. For example, one might say, "After weeks of illness, she came home from the hospital nothing but skin and bones."
Hyperbole and Historical Roots
"Nothing but skin" and its expanded form are hyperbolic expressions. This means they use exaggeration for emphasis and effect. Clearly, a person cannot literally be alive with only skin and bones; some flesh is essential for survival. The hyperbole serves to underscore the severity of the thinness.
This descriptive language has deep historical roots, with the expanded form dating back to the early 1400s, indicating its long-standing use in conveying extreme physical leanness.
Usage and Context
The phrase is typically used in contexts where someone has lost a significant amount of weight, often due to:
- Illness: Prolonged sickness can lead to severe weight loss.
- Malnourishment: Lack of adequate food over time.
- Stress or Hardship: Intense physical or emotional strain.
It can also be used figuratively, though less commonly, to describe something that is stripped bare or lacking substance. However, its primary and most recognized meaning relates to a person's physical state.
