Basic Details
Word: Scrawny
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Very thin and weak-looking.
Synonyms: Thin, skinny, undernourished
Antonyms: Plump, robust, healthy
Idioms and Phrases
- Scrawny as a rat: Used to describe someone who appears very thin and weak. Example: "After his illness, he looked scrawny as a rat and needed to eat more."
- Scrawny limbs: Referring to very skinny arms or legs. Example: "Her scrawny limbs made it difficult for her to lift heavy boxes."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The stray dog looked scrawny and hungry, prompting us to feed him some leftovers.
Example 2: During gym class, the scrawny boy surprised everyone with his speed and agility.
Example 3: After several weeks of not eating enough, I started to notice my scrawny appearance in the mirror.
Fun Fact
Interestingly, the term "scrawny" comes from the Old English word "scragan," which means to "be thin or lean." It's been part of the English language since the 19th century, reflecting a long history of describing people with less body mass.
Famous Quote
"It is not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog." Mark Twain
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "scrawny" mean?
a) Very tall
b) Very thin and weak-looking
c) Very strong
d) Very heavy
Answer: b) Very thin and weak-looking
2. Which of these is a synonym of "scrawny"?
a) Fluffy
b) Muscular
c) Skinny
d) Chubby
Answer: c) Skinny
3. Which of the following is an antonym of "scrawny"?
a) Lean
b) Plump
c) Thin
d) Gaunt
Answer: b) Plump
4. Which sentence uses "scrawny" correctly?
a) The scrawny cat jumped over the tall fence easily.
b) He ate a scrawny pizza for dinner.
c) The scrawny boy gained weight after improving his diet.
d) The scrawny elephant was the largest in the zoo.
Answer: c) The scrawny boy gained weight after improving his diet.
5. Which idiom suggests someone is very thin?
a) Scrawny as a rat
b) Full of beans
c) As strong as an ox
d) Busy as a bee
Answer: a) Scrawny as a rat
