What does thinnish mean?
Thinnish is an informal British adjective meaning somewhat thin. It occupies the middle ground between plainly thin and substantial, often carrying a mildly conversational or lightly critical tone. A plate may be described as thinnish when it is not quite enough, while an argument, excuse, or explanation can be called thinnish when it seems unconvincing or inadequate without deserving a fully harsh judgment. The word is especially at home in relaxed British English, although it is understandable elsewhere. Its charm lies in the mildness of the suffix -ish: it softens the statement without hiding its meaning. In formal writing, a more exact term such as slim, slight, thin, or inadequate is usually preferable. For ordinary conversation, however, thinnish is useful and expressive because it allows a writer or speaker to suggest a degree of thinness without overstating the criticism.
adjectiveSomewhat thin; slightly or rather thin.
- Somewhat thin, or slightly lacking in thickness, substance, or strength.
"The soup was thinnish, more broth than substance."
"A thinnish layer of frost covered the grass at first light."
"His explanation seemed rather thinnish, but it contained the essential fact."
With “-ish” doing the softening, “thinnish” lets you call something thin without sounding as if you meant it was wafer-thin.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does thinnish come from?
Thinnish is a native English formation made from thin and the established suffix -ish, which commonly creates adjectives meaning “somewhat” or “to some degree.” Its formation is transparent rather than a borrowing from another language. It belongs to the same English root family as thinner, thinly, and thinness, with which it shares the idea of reduced thickness.
How thinnish is actually used
Informal and mildly conversational. It is chiefly associated with British English and may sound gently critical when describing food, evidence, excuses, or arguments.