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"Scrawny" vs "emaciated": nuances in thinness

Reviewed and edited by Lloyd Cooper 02/12/2024, 13:24
English.me team member
Scrawny and emaciated. What's the difference?

What is similar?

Both "scrawny" and "emaciated" describe someone or something that is thin or underweight, implying a lack of physical bulk or muscle. Both terms can have negative connotations regarding physical appearance.

What is different?

"Scrawny" refers to being thin or bony, often used informally, and can describe someone who is thin but otherwise healthy. "Emaciated" describes extreme thinness due to severe malnutrition or illness; it suggests a serious medical condition. "Emaciated" is more severe in connotation than "scrawny". "Scrawny" can sometimes have a slightly playful or teasing tone, whereas "emaciated" is serious.

Which one is more common?

Internet search results for scrawny) and emaciated

Examples of usage

Scrawny
  • The scrawny cat slipped through the narrow opening in the fence.
  • He was tall and scrawny, with long limbs and a youthful energy.
  • Despite his scrawny appearance, he was surprisingly strong.
Emaciated
  • The rescue team found an emaciated dog wandering the streets.
  • She appeared emaciated after months of illness.
  • The emaciated man was in urgent need of medical care.