Is calling someone skinny the same as calling someone fat?

Question

I know that people don't like being called fat even if they are extremely overweight. People find nice ways to say "fat" without actually saying it like saying someone is curvy or thick or voluptuous. I believe that the word "skinny" is just like the word "fat" They can both be considered insults of the same degree, but on opposite sides of the spectrum. I was wondering what others feel about this topic. I, myself, am 18 years old, I am 5'7", and weigh about 95 lbs. People call me skinny all the time and tell me that I need to eat when I eat just as much as everyone else. Other times, people say I'm gloating when I eat in front of them just because I'm thinner than they are and I'm eating just as much. Some people say that being overweight is in their genes, but maybe being skinny is also. I was just wondering what other people feel about this topic.

Answer 1

I am sometimes told that I am skinny. Depending on who says it and the tone they use, I take it as a positive remark. (I'm 5'5" 116 lbs)However, if the person is overweight the remark usually comes off as envious and therefore negative. If someone is underweight and unhealthy and called "skinny" that would be the same is calling someone overweight and unhealthy "fat." In that case, "skinny" should not be taken as a complement.

Answer 2

It all depends upon the way in which it is said.  I was as thin as you, when I was your age, and up until I was in my mid 40's.  People would ask me if I were anorexic, and make comments about my weight, as if it were their right to confront me about it.  I had bosses speak to me about my "eating disorder".  When I was in school, I was teased and taunted by the "normal" and "healthy" kids in school.  Much to my delight the same girls who taunted and teased me, are now overweight and gross, while I've finally reached a "normal" weight.  

As long as you are healthy, and as long as you are comfortable being thin, good.  As for the ones who think they can speak to you in such a way.  Tell them "my weight is not any of your business, just as your _______ is none of my business"... fill in the blank with the appropriate words..

Count your blessings it's better to be thin than fat any day of the week.

Answer 3

Thin people are praised for being like they are.

Fat people are laughed and looked down upon

for being the way they are.

Even i know that and I'm a skinny young girl.

Don't play the VICTUM

Its just MEAN to everyone that doesnt look like me or you.

Just be HAPPY that your HEALTHY and tell you friends that they're

hurting your feelings

Answer 4

I think it is rude to call attention to anyone's less than ideal physical features.  Some people out there have eyes that are small and set deeply under hooded brows like some throwback to Cro Magnon man.  Some people have stringy blonde hair that does not cover their protruding ears and no shape to them at all.  Other people are so fat they waddle like ducks.  I have seen women with enormous butts.  Other people look terriffic but only have half a brain.   I think it is rude to point this out to anyone.   We all have our cross to bear and for some of us to judge others according to it is bad enough not to have it pointed out to them.  

Answer 5

o shnap !  you weight 95lbs and you are 18 !!  wow.  no offence but are considered anorexic. I am 14 and I wieght 95lbs. and I am considered "skinny".  I don't know about you but you should start eating alittle more. I don't find people calling me skiny offencive, I find it good. I wouldn't want to be called fat. So yea, I prefer being called skinny. So yea. I would say... start eating a BIT more.

Answer 6

Well if you are not anorexic and that is not the reason for your being very slim then people who call you skinny are as immature who call obese people fat.. the obese people do know for themselves that they are more than voluptuous. voluptuous is curvy.. but still to have a body shape.. but it's their business alone..they know they are obese and the health risks involved.. so one should not mention it to them same as one should not call anyone skinny unless they really do look haggard then I would be concerned if their face looks 10 years older than they are supposed to look that they do indeed suffer from anorexia but as a stranger I would have no right to make a comment but as a parent i most certainly would if I had someone who was anorexic and the same if I had a child that was obese.. not because they are not as nice and intelligent as other people but being very very thin and being obese causes health risks.. but I could only tell them that if I am their parent, their sister, husband, wife or doctor.. otherwise it's not my business.. xx

Answer 7

People are jealous of people like you because it is a struggle for most people to stay even a healthy weight.  The body, by nature, tries to put on weight because of caveman days when people faced famine.  People are just jealous, that is all.  I can admit I am jealous too!