Give someone the skinny ✋📝

Meaning

To tell someone the essential facts or details about a situation or person.

Origin

This phrase likely emerged from the world of journalism in the early 20th century. The word 'skinny' was slang for 'the essential facts' or 'the lowdown.' A reporter might ask a source to 'give me the skinny' on a story, meaning they wanted all the important details, stripped down to their bare essence. It's a vivid image, implying getting to the very core of the matter, much like shedding all unnecessary layers to reveal what's underneath.

🗣️ communication 🔒 secrets ⚖️✅ honesty 📅🕰️ 20th 21st century

Give someone the skinny represented with emoji✋📝

This playful pairing of a hand and a notebook functions as a visual shorthand, transforming the familiar act of writing into a whimsical invitation to share secrets. It teaches the viewer that sometimes, the most direct route to understanding is through a simple, unadorned gesture. Note how the combination subverts the notion of elaborate exposition, opting instead for a swift, emoji-driven revelation.

Examples

  • Can you give me the skinny on what happened at the meeting?
  • My brother always gives me the skinny on the latest office gossip.
  • The ancient squirrel in the park will give you the skinny on the best acorn locations, if you offer him a shiny button.
  • If you're ever lost in the magical forest, ask the wise old owl to give you the skinny on the quickest path home.

Frequently asked questions

Is 'give someone the skinny' more formal or informal?

'Give someone the skinny' is considered informal slang. It's best used in casual conversations among friends or colleagues rather than in formal writing or professional settings.

Are there any phrases similar to 'give someone the skinny'?

Yes, phrases like 'give someone the lowdown,' 'fill someone in,' or 'tell someone the scoop' all convey a similar meaning of providing essential information.

Can 'give someone the skinny' be used negatively?

While not inherently negative, 'give someone the skinny' can sometimes imply gossip or revealing slightly scandalous or private information. Its primary use, however, is neutral for sharing important details.

What's the opposite of 'give someone the skinny'?

The opposite of 'give someone the skinny' would be to withhold information, keep something secret, or be deliberately vague about a situation.

Similar to "give someone the skinny"

Spill the beans
Both are about revealing secret or hidden information, but 'spill the beans' suggests an accidental or eager confession, while 'give someone the skinny' implies a deliberate, strategic sharing of important details
Give someone the lowdown
Both phrases convey providing essential information, but 'give someone the lowdown' has a slightly more informal, almost conspiratorial feel, perfect for relaying the nitty-gritty details you'd only share with a trusted friend
Provide the executive summary
Both focus on the core facts, but 'provide the executive summary' is the polished, business-world cousin, stripping away all fluff to get to the bottom line for decision-makers, rather than the casual, often gossipy, details of 'the skinny'

Opposite of "give someone the skinny"

Keep someone in the dark
This phrase argues for withholding information, directly opposing the act of sharing details implied by 'give someone the skinny' by suggesting that ignorance is sometimes the preferred state, often for manipulative reasons
Play your cards close to your chest
This suggests a strategy of deliberate obfuscation and secrecy, standing in stark contrast to 'give someone the skinny' which is about full disclosure, implying that revealing too much can be a vulnerability

Related to "give someone the skinny"

On the QT
This adverbial phrase often precedes the sharing of 'the skinny,' indicating that the information is being shared discreetly or secretly
Off the record
Similar to 'on the QT,' this phrase sets up the context for sharing potentially sensitive details, signifying that the information is not for public consumption
The inside scoop
This phrase refers to the information itself, the 'skinny' that someone might offer, emphasizing its exclusive and privileged nature
Get the dirt
While 'give someone the skinny' can be neutral, 'get the dirt' specifically implies seeking out or sharing scandalous or compromising information, adding a slightly more salacious flavor to the act of information sharing