1 C1 idiomatic informal
To climb a narrow pole, tree, or similar object by gripping it with the arms and legs.
"The kid skinny up the flagpole in about ten seconds to retrieve the kite."
inseparable
skinny up
C1 informal inseparable intransitive
To climb up something narrow, such as a pole or tree, by gripping it tightly with the body.
In plain English
To climb up a thin pole or tree by squeezing and pulling yourself up.
What does "skinny up" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To move upward by making yourself skinny (slim) against a narrow object.
Actually means
To climb up a thin pole or tree by squeezing and pulling yourself up.
Usage tip
Chiefly American dialectal English. Largely synonymous with 'shimmy up' or 'shinny up'. Uncommon outside of certain regional dialects; learners should prefer 'climb up' or 'shimmy up'.
Words that pair with "skinny up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
pole tree rope flagpole post
How to conjugate "skinny up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
skinny up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
skinnies up
he/she/it
Past simple
skinnied up
yesterday
Past participle
skinnied up
have + pp
-ing form
skinnying up
continuous
Hear "skinny up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "skinny up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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