30 Best comebacks when someone calls you skinny

Last summer at a family gathering, my aunt loudly announced, “You’re still so skinny! Don’t they feed you?” The room fell silent as everyone turned to look at me. I forced a smile and mumbled something about having a fast metabolism, but inside I was frustrated. Why is it socially acceptable to comment on someone being “too thin” when we’d never make similar remarks about other body types?

Have you experienced the awkwardness of having your body type publicly discussed? While many assume comments about being skinny are compliments, they can feel just as invasive and uncomfortable as any other body commentary. Having ready responses can help you address these situations with confidence and set appropriate boundaries.

In this article, I’ve compiled 30 effective comebacks for when someone calls you skinny. From humorous deflections to educational responses, these comebacks will help you handle body comments gracefully while making it clear that unsolicited observations about your physique aren’t welcome.

Witty and Humorous Responses

When you want to lighten the mood while still addressing the comment, these witty comebacks use humor to deflect unwanted attention on your body type.

#1. Yes, I’m aerodynamic. It helps me dodge awkward comments faster

This playful response uses self-deprecating humor while subtly pointing out the awkwardness of their comment. It acknowledges your body type while redirecting attention to the social dynamic rather than your physique.

#2. I’m not skinny, I’m concentrated awesome

This confident, humorous response reframes being skinny as a positive attribute. According to communication expert Dr. Michelle Mazur, reframing criticism as a strength can disarm negative comments while maintaining your personal power.

#3. Thanks for the update on my body. I almost forgot what I look like

This sarcastic comeback highlights the obvious and unnecessary nature of their observation. It uses humor to point out that you’re already aware of your own appearance and don’t need their commentary.

#4. I’m just efficiently designed. Not everyone needs extra material

This witty response compares your body to a well-designed product, turning an assumed negative into a positive quality. It playfully suggests being skinny is actually advantageous and intentional.

#5. My body’s busy building brains instead of bulk

This clever comeback suggests a trade-off between different types of development. It humorously implies that your energy goes toward intellectual rather than physical development, shifting the focus to your mental attributes.

#6. I’m practicing for my career as a professional limbo champion

This absurdist response creates a humorous mental image while completely sidestepping any insecurity about being skinny. It shows you don’t take the comment too seriously while steering the conversation in a more playful direction.

💡 Pro tip: Delivery matters with humorous comebacks. A genuine smile and confident tone show you’re unbothered by their comment, which often discourages further remarks about your appearance.

Confident and Direct Comebacks

When humor doesn’t feel right, these straightforward responses clearly communicate your boundaries while maintaining your dignity.

#7. My body type isn’t up for discussion, but thanks for your interest in my personal business

This direct response firmly establishes a boundary without being aggressive. According to psychologist Dr. Susan Newman, clear boundary statements effectively communicate what behavior is acceptable without escalating tension.

#8. Yes, this is my body. I’m quite comfortable with it, but you seem concerned

This response acknowledges your acceptance of your body while reflecting their discomfort back to them. It subtly shifts the focus from your body to their behavior, highlighting that their comment reveals more about them than you.

#9. I’m actually the perfect size to mind my own business. You should try it sometime

This assertive comeback uses a play on words to redirect attention to their inappropriate behavior. It clearly communicates that commenting on others’ bodies crosses a social boundary while maintaining your composure.

#10. My weight doesn’t define me, and I’d prefer we talk about something more interesting

This response firmly changes the subject while asserting that your body is not the most interesting thing about you. It sets a clear boundary while offering a path forward in the conversation should you wish to continue it.

#11. Comments about my body aren’t helpful or necessary, even if you mean well

This direct, educational response acknowledges potential good intentions while clearly stating the impact of their words. According to research published in the Journal of Health Psychology, addressing both intent and impact can effectively change behavior without creating defensiveness.

#12. My doctor is satisfied with my health, so I don’t need assessments from others

This response invokes medical authority to shut down non-professional opinions about your body. It establishes that health discussions belong between you and medical professionals, not casual observers.

Educational Responses

These informative comebacks help others understand why their comments about your body might be inappropriate or hurtful.

#13. Body comments can actually be harmful, even when they seem positive or well-intentioned

This educational response provides a teachable moment about the impact of body commentary. It avoids personalizing the issue while raising awareness about a broader social problem.

#14. Everyone’s body is different, and commenting on someone’s size can trigger insecurities you might not be aware of

This informative comeback explains why body comments can be problematic without making the other person feel attacked. It invites empathy by highlighting the potential hidden impact of their words.

#15. Just like we don’t comment on weight gain, it’s best not to comment on thinness either

This comparative response helps the person understand the double standard often applied to body comments. It draws a parallel that may help them recognize why their comment was inappropriate.

#16. Some people struggle to gain weight just like others struggle to lose it. Body comments can hurt either way

This educational comeback provides context about diverse body challenges. According to eating disorder specialist Dr. Jennifer Thomas, this type of response can increase awareness about diverse body experiences and reduce stigmatizing comments.

#17. Did you know that metabolism, genetics, and health conditions can all affect body type? It’s rarely as simple as just “eating more”

This informative response addresses the common misconception that being skinny is always a choice or easily changed. It introduces complexity to counter simplified assumptions about body size.

#18. Comments about being “too skinny” can be just as harmful as telling someone they’re “too fat”

This direct comparison highlights the parallel between different types of body criticism. It challenges the common assumption that comments about thinness are inherently complimentary or harmless.

Comebacks for Recurring Comments

When the same people repeatedly comment on your body, these responses address the pattern rather than just the individual remark.

#19. We’ve discussed my body several times now. Let’s find a new topic that’s actually interesting to both of us

This pattern-interrupting response acknowledges the repetition while setting a clear boundary for future interactions. It redirects toward more mutually engaging conversation topics.

#20. I’ve noticed you comment on my weight often. Is there a reason you’re focused on my body?

This question turns the scrutiny back on the commenter, encouraging self-reflection. According to communication researcher Dr. Sheila Heen, questioning patterns can effectively raise awareness about habitual behavior without direct criticism.

#21. Let’s make a deal—I won’t comment on your body if you extend me the same courtesy

This reciprocity-based response establishes a mutual boundary that frames body comments as universally inappropriate. It creates a simple, fair agreement that most people will find reasonable.

#22. We’ve covered this ground before. My body hasn’t changed, and neither has my comfort with these comments

This direct response acknowledges the repetition while firmly restating your boundary. It makes it clear that continued comments won’t be better received over time.

#23. I’ve explained before that these comments make me uncomfortable. Please respect that

This straightforward reminder references previous boundary-setting. It assumes good intentions while firmly reinforcing your previously stated needs.

#24. This is the third time you’ve mentioned my weight this year. Three strikes and you’re out of my personal business

This response uses humor and a sports metaphor to address a pattern of inappropriate comments. It clearly communicates that continued boundary violations will have consequences for your relationship.

Responses for Different Relationships

These situation-specific comebacks are tailored for different relationships and contexts where body comments might occur.

#25. I know you care about my health, Mom, but these comments don’t help our relationship

This response for family acknowledges the likely concern behind the comment while explaining its negative impact. According to family therapist Dr. Karyl McBride, addressing both the intent and the impact can be particularly effective with family members.

#26. In our professional relationship, my body isn’t relevant to the work we’re doing

This workplace-appropriate response clearly establishes that body comments are unprofessional. It refocuses attention on your professional contributions rather than physical appearance.

#27. As my friend, I need you to support me by not making my body a topic of conversation

This friendship-focused response clearly communicates an expectation of support. It frames respecting your boundary as an act of friendship rather than a restriction.

#28. I value our relationship too much to let body comments become a pattern between us

This response for important relationships emphasizes connection while establishing a boundary. It frames boundary-setting as protection for the relationship rather than criticism of the other person.

#29. That comment might seem harmless to you, but as someone who’s dealt with body image issues, it’s actually quite hurtful

This vulnerable response shares personal context that may help the other person understand the impact of their words. According to research by Dr. Brené Brown, appropriate vulnerability can create empathy and behavior change when used selectively.

#30. I’m actually working with my doctor on some health goals, so outside commentary isn’t helpful right now

This health-focused response establishes that you’re already addressing your well-being with qualified professionals. It politely suggests that additional input is both unnecessary and potentially counterproductive.

💡 Pro tip: Match your response to your relationship with the person and the context of the situation. A humorous response might work well with friends, while a more direct approach may be necessary in professional settings or with repeat commenters.

When and How to Use These Comebacks

The effectiveness of these comebacks depends on several factors including your delivery, the relationship context, and your personal goals for the interaction:

Consider your audience and relationship. Family members might need different approaches than colleagues or acquaintances. Tailor your response to preserve important relationships while still establishing necessary boundaries.

Assess the intent behind the comment. Some remarks come from genuine concern, while others might be deliberately hurtful. Your response can acknowledge good intentions while still addressing the inappropriate behavior.

Evaluate your emotional state. If you’re feeling particularly triggered or upset, a simple “I’d prefer not to discuss my body” might be best until you can respond more intentionally.

Be authentic to your communication style. Choose comebacks that feel natural coming from you—forced responses often fall flat or create additional awkwardness.

Remember that consistency matters. According to boundary expert Dr. Henry Cloud, consistently enforcing boundaries teaches others what behavior you will and won’t accept, making future comments less likely.

Final Take

Being called skinny might seem harmless to some, but unwanted body commentary can feel invasive and uncomfortable regardless of the specific words used. Having thoughtful responses ready helps you navigate these situations with confidence and self-respect.

Whether you choose humor, education, directness, or another approach depends on your personality, the relationship context, and what you hope to achieve with your response. The most important element is that you advocate for yourself and the boundaries that help you feel comfortable and respected in your interactions.

Remember that you’re not responsible for managing others’ feelings about your body. You deserve interactions that focus on who you are as a person—your ideas, accomplishments, and character—rather than your physical appearance.

With these comebacks in your communication toolkit, you’ll be prepared to address unwanted body comments effectively while maintaining your dignity and the health of your important relationships.

FAQs About Handling Body Comments

How do I respond when the comments are from someone who genuinely cares about my health?

Acknowledge their concern while redirecting to more appropriate ways to show care: “I understand you’re concerned about my health, but discussing my body makes me uncomfortable. If you’d like to support my well-being, you could invite me for a home-cooked meal or to join you for a fun physical activity instead.” This approach respects their positive intention while suggesting more constructive alternatives.

What if I’m comfortable with my body but still don’t want it to be a topic of conversation?

Focus your response on conversation preferences rather than body image: “I’m actually quite comfortable with my body—I’m just not comfortable with it being a topic of discussion.” According to communication researcher Dr. Deborah Tannen, framing boundaries in terms of conversation preferences rather than emotional reactions often meets with less resistance.

Should I respond differently to body comments in public versus private settings?

Yes. In public, brief responses that quickly change the subject often work best: “Thanks for your observation. Hey, did everyone hear about the new restaurant downtown?” Save more educational or detailed responses for private conversations where the person is more likely to listen without defensiveness. According to social psychologist Dr. Susan Newman, addressing sensitive topics privately shows respect while increasing the likelihood of meaningful behavioral change.