why do people think it's ok to say this to someone? .... skinny?

Question

"you are so skinny"

while you never hear "you are so fat"?

I am not skinny, I am thin but some people tell me I am skinny!!! I am just amazed because I have curves (not fat) and you don't see my bones that much. I look healthy and thin ... not skinny. I am 110 for 5feet1... so really not skinny at all.

Why do people think it's ok to say that to people "you are so skinny"
and why do they say that when the person is actually not skinny, but thin/slim.

I would never say to someone "you are so fat" or " you are so skinny" or "you are so obese" or " you are so whatever"

I did become skinny once in my life after being sick for 3 weeks... do people realize that their comments are so inappropriate? .... making someone justify/explain his/her weight?

Skinny: is not something I want to be.... reminder for everyone: skinny means underweight.
so don't assume it pleases me when someone makes that comment like I am starving myself or something.

thin means healthy.

Answer 1

many people don't realise that it can be just as hurtful to have people call you skinny as fat. i've had both because i lost weight quite drastically a couple of years ago. although i wouldn't call myself skinny either, just slim maybe or toned, some people look at me and say "god you're skinny" and look really disapproving. some of my close friends are overweight and they'll often say this, i think it could be jealousy but it's not like i've ever flaunted my weight loss to them or even talked about it at all. i also hate hearing things like "real women have curves". people say that to defend women who might be slightly bigger but it makes those of us who naturally don't have curves feel bad about ourselves.

people should accept that we all come in different shapes or sizes and stop commenting on other people's body shapes!

Answer 2

I am tall and thin also. I get so sick of hearing people say to me that "I am too thin" or ask "Do you eat". I have been the same weight for many years and can NOT gain weight. I can eat whatever, I have a very high metabolism rate.

People dont realize that are feelings get hurt also. I tell them that there are so many people in this world that dye just to be thin. I cant help that i am this way, its in my genes. My whole family is tall and thin, but we are very healthy people.....

I have seen people that are "skinny". They looked like walking skeletons.. I have a lot more weight on me than they do...so stop telling me I am skinny or to thin...keep that in mind..

Answer 3

My sister - n - law feels the same way. She gets that "compliment" all the time. The thing is, obviously women want to be thin. They think they are giving you a compliment by saying "skinny" when in fact they should be saying "thin" or a better word. I would find "skinny" kind of offensive too because it sounds like you are too thin. I believe though that they are probably complimenting you since all women want to be thin instead of fat. They just don't realize how it sounds.

Answer 4

people might say "you are so skinny" because they would consider it a compliment if it was directed towards them. personally, i don't go around commenting on people's weight. Slim/Slender are words that seem to have a postive connotation whereas skinny/thin seem to be more negative, but it depends on the person.

I actually know people who are self-concious about being slender. Comments like that make them uncomfortable because it makes them feel conspicious and it reminds them that they don't have the curves they long for.

depending on who you say it too, "you are so skinny" can be just as offensive as telling someone who's obviously overweight "you are so fat."

Bottomline: justifying yourself to others is unnecessary. Why do you have to defend or explain why you are you?

Answer 5

I think the reason why people say, "you are so skinny" is because most people would consider it a compliment and not something to be upset about... To most people thin/slim and skinny all mean the same thing. I would guess that the people who are saying this to you mean it as a compliment...

Answer 6

I think you are right on target, see the weight/height chart at http://www.stayinformed.info/health/idealweight.htm.

These people must be really over weight. Being unhealthy and over weight is becoming the norm know. A published report came out last month indicated that over 50% of women will be of wdith by 2017. It think I'm being kind with the percentages.

Keep the balance in your life and keep up the good work with your weight. You definitly won't be a static.

Answer 7

I don't think that when people say that they are trying to be offensive. I believe people don't say you are so fat because it will be hurtful. No one wants to be fat. Skinny (thin) is what most people (not everyone) want to be. I believe they are probably saying it in a good way.

Answer 8

You just have to realize- they mean it as a compliment. You are so fat is not a compliment to anyone. But telling someone they are thin or skinny is seen as a compliment. Just get a little thicker skin and take it how its intended. No need to get offended when no offense is meant.

Answer 9

Thats the double standard again. I am 5'5" -118- and I get it all the time. I am normal sized.

I vowed the next time this one particular person says it to me I am going to respond "No, I'm just not fat like you".

I am not talking about the word thin/slender/slim- I am thin- thin is normal.
I am talking about the words SKINNY or scrawny even.

Answer 10

Some people like to point other people's appearance, whether it's "You're so Skinny!" or "You could stand to lose a few pounds!".

From experience, anyone I've ever known who's done this, have had personal issues with their appearance and it makes them feel better to point out other people... it takes everyone else's eyes off of "them".

Take it with a grain of salt, and chalk it up to "their" inadequacies, that don't really concern you.