Used to evoke sympathy for someone or something that appears extremely thin.

Emotional Impact

Choose this expression to emphasize weakness or a pitiful state, not just ordinary thinness.

Context Matters

While descriptive, it can be sensitive or offensive when referring to a person's body.

Used metaphorically to describe objects, not people, in very poor condition.

Doesn't mean it's actually made of bones; rather, it’s in a state of neglect or deterioration.

Use it to help the listener visualize something as frail and decrepit.