Top 29 Slang For Gaunt – Meaning & Usage

Looking for the perfect slang term to describe someone who is thin and emaciated? Look no further! Our team at Fluentslang has put together a list of the top slang for gaunt that will have you sounding like a pro in no time. Say goodbye to boring descriptions and hello to trendy and expressive language that will make you stand out in any conversation. Let’s dive in and explore the exciting world of slang together!

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1. Skeletal

This term describes someone who is extremely thin or has a bony appearance.

For example, “The famine-stricken child had a skeletal frame.”
A person might comment, “The model’s skeletal figure is concerning.”
In a discussion about body image, someone might say, “We should promote healthy bodies, not skeletal ones.”

2. Hollow-cheeked

This term refers to a person whose cheeks appear sunken, often due to weight loss or illness.

For instance, “The old man had a hollow-cheeked face from years of malnutrition.”
A friend might express concern, “You look so hollow-cheeked, are you eating enough?”
In a beauty discussion, someone might say, “Contouring can create the illusion of hollow-cheeked definition.”

3. Cadaverous

This term describes someone who has a pale and gaunt appearance, resembling that of a corpse.

For example, “The patient’s cadaverous complexion was a sign of their illness.”
A person might comment, “The actor’s makeup made them look cadaverous.”
In a discussion about Halloween costumes, someone might say, “I want to create a cadaverous look with my makeup.”

4. Emaciated

This term describes someone who is extremely thin and weak due to a lack of proper nutrition.

For instance, “The emaciated dog was rescued and nursed back to health.”
A person might express concern, “The emaciated figure on the magazine cover promotes unhealthy body ideals.”
In a discussion about poverty, someone might say, “Many children in developing countries suffer from emaciation due to malnutrition.”

5. Wasted

This term refers to someone who is extremely thin or underweight, often due to illness or substance abuse.

For example, “The wasted drug addict’s body was frail and weak.”
A person might comment, “She looks so wasted, she needs to take care of herself.”
In a discussion about body positivity, someone might say, “We should celebrate all body types, not just those that are not wasted.”

6. Skinny

This term refers to someone who is very slim or has a low body fat percentage. It can be used to describe someone’s physical appearance.

For example, “She has always been skinny, no matter how much she eats.”
A person might say, “I wish I could be skinny like her.”
In a conversation about body image, someone might comment, “Being skinny doesn’t necessarily mean being healthy.”

7. Bony

This word describes someone who is extremely thin, to the point where their bones are visible or prominent. It implies a lack of flesh or muscle.

For instance, “His bony frame made him look frail and weak.”
A person might say, “She needs to eat more; she’s looking bony.”
In a discussion about body types, someone might mention, “Even though she’s bony, she’s still strong and athletic.”

8. Lanky

This term describes someone who is tall and has a slim build. It often implies long limbs and a somewhat awkward or ungainly appearance.

For example, “He grew up to be a lanky teenager, towering over his classmates.”
A person might say, “I always felt self-conscious about being lanky.”
In a conversation about fashion, someone might comment, “Lanky models often have an advantage on the runway.”

9. Scrawny

This word describes someone who is thin and weak, often due to a lack of proper nutrition or muscle mass. It can have a negative connotation.

For instance, “He was scrawny as a child, but he eventually filled out.”
A person might say, “I need to start working out; I don’t want to be scrawny.”
In a discussion about body types, someone might mention, “Scrawny people can still be strong and fit.”

10. Haggard

This term describes someone who appears exhausted, worn out, and gaunt, often due to physical or emotional distress. It implies a tired and unhealthy appearance.

For example, “After weeks of little sleep, she looked haggard and drained.”
A person might say, “He looked haggard after working long hours.”
In a conversation about stress, someone might comment, “I feel haggard from all the deadlines and pressure.”

11. Gaunt

Gaunt is a term used to describe someone who is extremely thin or bony, often due to illness or malnutrition. It conveys a sense of haggardness and a lack of vitality.

For example, “She looked gaunt after weeks of being sick.”
In a discussion about a character in a book, one might say, “The author described the villain as gaunt and menacing.”
A person might comment on a photo, “You can see how gaunt he looks after months of intense training.”

12. Lean

Lean refers to being thin and fit, with little body fat but well-defined muscles. It suggests a healthy and athletic physique.

For instance, “He has a lean body with well-developed muscles.”
In a conversation about fitness, one might say, “I’m trying to get lean by following a strict diet and exercise routine.”
A person might compliment someone by saying, “You’re looking really lean and toned!”

13. Slender

Slender describes someone who is gracefully thin, with a delicate and elegant appearance. It implies a slimness that is attractive and aesthetically pleasing.

For example, “She has a slender figure that suits her modeling career.”
In a discussion about fashion, one might say, “Slender models are often preferred on the runway.”
A person might comment on someone’s physique, “You have a naturally slender body shape.”

14. Starved

Starved refers to someone who is extremely thin or emaciated due to a lack of food or proper nourishment. It conveys a sense of deprivation and suffering.

For instance, “The refugees looked starved after days without food.”
In a conversation about poverty, one might say, “Many children in developing countries are starved and malnourished.”
A person might express concern by saying, “You need to eat more, you’re starting to look starved.”

15. Rangy

Rangy describes someone who is tall and thin, with long limbs and a slightly awkward or gangly appearance. It suggests a lack of coordination or gracefulness.

For example, “He is a rangy basketball player with great reach.”
In a discussion about body types, one might say, “Rangy individuals often excel in sports that require agility.”
A person might comment on someone’s physique, “You have a rangy build that makes you stand out.”

16. Pinched

This term describes someone who appears thin and gaunt, often due to lack of food or illness. It can also refer to a facial expression that shows signs of pain or discomfort.

For example, “She looked pinched and pale after weeks of illness.”
In a discussion about body image, someone might say, “Society’s obsession with thinness can lead to unhealthy, pinched appearances.”
A person describing their own weight loss journey might say, “I used to be overweight, but now I’m proud of my pinched figure.”

17. Anorexic

This term refers to someone who suffers from anorexia nervosa, an eating disorder characterized by an extreme fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image. Anorexic individuals often have a significantly low body weight and appear gaunt.

For instance, “She was so anorexic that her bones were visible.”
In a conversation about mental health, someone might say, “It’s important to seek help if you suspect someone is anorexic.”
A person sharing their personal experience might say, “I struggled with anorexia for years and it made me extremely wiry.”

18. Wiry

This term describes someone who is thin and lean, often with a wiry or muscular build. It can also refer to hair or other materials that are thin, strong, and flexible.

For example, “The wiry boxer easily dodged his opponent’s punches.”
In a discussion about body types, someone might say, “He may not be bulky, but his wiry physique gives him an advantage in endurance sports.”
A person describing their own appearance might say, “I may not have much muscle mass, but I have a wiry strength.”

19. Spare

This term describes someone who is lean and thin, often without much excess body fat. It can also refer to a body shape that is slim and lacking in curves.

For instance, “She had a spare figure that allowed her to fit into small spaces.”
In a conversation about fashion, someone might say, “This dress is designed for spare figures.”
A person describing their own body might say, “I’ve always had a spare frame, even when I try to gain weight.”

20. Angular

This term describes someone who has sharp, defined features and a lean appearance. It can also refer to objects or designs that have sharp angles or edges.

For example, “Her angular face gave her a unique and striking look.”
In a discussion about architecture, someone might say, “I love the angular lines of this modern building.”
A person describing their own appearance might say, “I used to be round-faced, but now I’ve developed more angular features.”

21. Sallow

This term is often used to describe someone with a sickly or unhealthy appearance, particularly when their complexion is pale or yellowish.

For example, “After being sick for weeks, she looked sallow and weak.”
A person might comment, “I need to get some sun, I’m starting to look sallow.”
Another might say, “The stress of work has made me sallow and worn-out.”

22. Shriveled

When someone is described as shriveled, it means they appear as if they have lost a significant amount of moisture or vitality, often resulting in a wrinkled and dried-up appearance.

For instance, “The old woman’s hands were shriveled and fragile.”
A person might say, “After spending hours in the sun, my skin feels shriveled.”
Another might comment, “The plant was neglected and became shriveled and lifeless.”

23. Wizened

Wizened describes someone who appears old, with their skin appearing wrinkled and withered due to age or other factors.

For example, “The wizened old man had a lifetime of stories to share.”
A person might say, “Her face looked wizened and weathered from years of hard work.”
Another might comment, “The fruit was left out too long and became wizened and unappetizing.”

24. Desiccated

Desiccated refers to something that has become completely dried out, often due to the removal of moisture.

For instance, “The desiccated leaves crumbled in my hand.”
A person might say, “The desert air left my skin feeling desiccated.”
Another might comment, “The desiccated food had lost all its flavor and texture.”

25. Thin as a rail

When someone is described as thin as a rail, it means they are extremely skinny or emaciated, often to the point of appearing unhealthy.

For example, “After weeks of illness, she was thin as a rail.”
A person might say, “He used to be overweight, but now he’s thin as a rail.”
Another might comment, “The stray dog was thin as a rail, in desperate need of food and care.”

26. Drawn

This term refers to someone who appears very thin and weak, often due to illness or lack of nourishment. “Drawn” is used to describe a person’s gaunt appearance.

For example, a friend might say, “You look drawn, have you been eating properly?”
In a medical context, a doctor might note, “The patient’s drawn appearance is indicative of malnutrition.”
A fashion magazine might describe a model as having a “drawn look” to highlight their thinness.

27. Wraithlike

This term describes someone who is extremely thin and frail, resembling a ghost or wraith. “Wraithlike” is often used to emphasize the gauntness of a person’s appearance.

For instance, a writer might describe a character as “wraithlike, with sunken cheeks and hollow eyes.”
In a poetic context, a poet might use the term to evoke a sense of ethereal beauty, saying “Her wraithlike figure glided through the room.”
A friend might express concern, saying “You look wraithlike, have you been taking care of yourself?”

28. Meager

This term describes something that is lacking in quantity or quality, often used to describe a person’s gaunt appearance due to lack of food or resources. “Meager” is used to convey the idea of extreme thinness.

For example, a nutritionist might say, “Their diet is very meager, which is why they appear so gaunt.”
In a discussion about poverty, someone might mention, “People living in extreme poverty often suffer from meager conditions and become gaunt.”
A friend might express concern, saying “You’ve lost so much weight, your diet seems meager.”

29. Frail

This term describes someone who is physically weak and delicate, often due to illness or malnourishment. “Frail” is used to describe a person’s gaunt appearance and their vulnerability.

For instance, a nurse might say, “The patient is very frail and needs extra care.”
In a conversation about aging, someone might mention, “As we get older, our bodies become more frail and gaunt.”
A concerned family member might say, “You look so frail, have you been eating enough?”