Is being called this an insult or compliment?

Question

Olive Oyl. And why?

Answer 1

Olive Oyl was a cartoon character, girlfriend of Popeye.  She is supposed to be an archetype of an unattractive woman: too thin, very small b*****s, no hips, funny nose.

I have no idea what the modern slang use is, though.

btw, the above is about the supposed majority view, not my personal tastes.

Another thought:  With so many overweight girls out there, some might jealously call those of normal weight "too skinny", or Olive Oyle.  

So if you are slim, don't get a complex;  in modern society we realize there are many different versions of what is pretty.  I personally like the slim type.

Answer 2

It can be seen as an insult because it's fat and it's being used a lot. But it can also be a compliment if the person who says it is refering to a country where olives grow and therefore tinks that it's exotic.

Answer 3

Compliment probably.  They are saying that you are tall and really skinny.