What does skinning mean?
Skinning is the process of removing skin from an animal or person, often as part of slaughtering, preparing meat, or obtaining hides. In modern usage, it also has a figurative sense meaning to strip someone of money or resources through deception or exploitation. The verb form is especially associated with practical activities such as preparing game and removing paint or other surfaces from buildings or objects. The expression "skinning someone alive" intensifies the figurative sense and suggests taking as much as possible from a victim. Although the literal process can be necessary in agriculture, hunting, food preparation, and leatherwork, the figurative use is generally negative and may imply cruelty, fraud, or financial exploitation.
nounThe action or process of removing skin from an animal or person, especially as part of preparing meat or hides. It can also refer to stripping or depriving someone of money or resources.
- The removal of skin from an animal or person, especially during slaughter or food preparation.
- The stripping of money, resources, or valuables from someone.
- The removal of an outer covering from an object, such as wood, paint, or a building surface.
"The workers were skilled at skinning the sheep after they had been slaughtered."
"Skinning and butchering the deer took most of the morning."
"The online scheme was designed for skinning small businesses out of their savings."
The plural is uncommon and is mainly used when referring to separate instances or types of skinning.
"The guide discusses the skinnings of different animals and the tools required for each."
The phrase "skinning someone alive" describes taking their money as painfully and completely as possible.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does skinning come from?
The noun skinning is formed from the English word skin by adding the suffix -ing. Skin itself comes from Old English skinn and ultimately from a Germanic root associated with the outer covering of the body. The English word is related to Latin forms such as cutis, from which cutaneous and cuticle also derive.
Related word forms
How skinning is actually used
The word is commonly used in professional or practical contexts such as slaughtering, hunting, leather production, and construction. Figurative uses, especially "skinning" someone, can sound strongly critical or accusatory.
Easily confused with skinning
Skinning means removing skin or an outer layer, whereas skimming means moving lightly over a surface or taking a quick look at the contents of something.
Skinning involves removing an outer layer, while sunning means exposing something to sunlight.