Describing People's Appearance in English - Visual Vocabulary Lesson

Summary

Welcome to Oxford Online English, where you can access free English lessons and book classes with qualified teachers for various needs like IELTS preparation. Learn vocabulary to describe physical appearance, such as 'well-built' for muscular individuals, 'skinny' for those too thin, and 'fit' for those who are athletic. Understand terms like 'physique', 'build', and facial features like 'chiselled features' and 'crow's feet'. Explore hair descriptions like 'curly', 'bald', and 'fair', and how to use them appropriately.

Takeaways

• 😀 'Well-built' describes someone with a large, muscular physique, as opposed to 'skinny', which implies being too thin.
• 💪 'Muscular' and 'muscly' are synonyms, indicating a strong, well-developed body.
• 🏋️‍♀️ 'In good shape' and 'fit' both suggest regular exercise and strength, with 'fit' also implying attractiveness in British English.
• 🤸‍♂️ 'Physique' refers to the body's shape and condition, often used positively to describe a strong or attractive body.
• 🏃‍♂️ 'Skinny' is a negative term suggesting someone is too thin, while 'thin', 'slim', and 'slight build' are more neutral descriptors.
• 🤷‍♂️ 'Build' encompasses the overall body shape, with adjectives like 'medium', 'slim', 'proportionate', and 'stocky' offering various descriptions.
• 👨‍🦱 'Overweight' and 'has a gut' are indirect ways to describe someone with excess weight, particularly around the stomach.
• 🗿 'Chiselled features' and 'well-defined' facial features suggest a clear, attractive shape, often used for men's faces.
• 👵 'Crow’s feet' and 'wrinkles' refer to the aging signs around the eyes and on the forehead, respectively.
• 😺 'Dimples' and 'freckles' are attractive facial features that appear when smiling and are common on light-skinned individuals.

Q & A

What does the term 'well-built' describe in terms of a person's physique?

'Well-built' refers to someone who is big due to muscle mass rather than fat, indicating a robust and muscular physique.

How is the term 'muscular' different from 'muscly', and can they be used interchangeably?

The terms 'muscular' and 'muscly' are synonymous and can be used interchangeably to describe someone who has a lot of muscle.

What is the British English slang meaning of the word 'fit' when used conversationally?

In British English slang, 'fit' can mean 'attractive', and it can be applied to both men and women.

What does the word 'physique' signify when used to describe someone's body?

'Physique' refers to the shape and condition of a person's body, often used with positive adjectives to describe someone who is strong or has an attractive body shape.

What is the difference between the terms 'thin', 'slim', and 'skinny' when describing a person's body size?

'Thin' is a neutral term for someone who is not overweight. 'Slim' implies being thin in an attractive way, while 'skinny' has a negative connotation, suggesting someone is too thin.

What does 'build' refer to when describing a person's body, and what are some common adjectives used with it?

'Build' refers to the general shape and size of a person's body, including whether they are broad, thin, muscular, etc. Common adjectives include 'medium build', 'slim build', 'proportionate build', and 'stocky build'.

How would you describe someone who has a large stomach or belly?

Someone with a large stomach or belly might be described as 'overweight', having a 'gut', or having a 'big belly'.

What does 'chiselled features' imply about a person's facial appearance?

'Chiselled features' suggest that a person's facial features are very attractive and clearly defined, similar to those carved by a chisel, often used for men's faces.

What are 'crow’s feet' and how do they relate to aging?

'Crow’s feet' are the pattern of wrinkles that form at the corners of the eyes as people age, indicating a natural part of the aging process.

How can one describe the length and style of hair, and what is the correct adjective order?

Hair can be described by its length (long, short, medium length, shoulder length), style (curly, straight, wavy), and color. The correct order for hair description adjectives is length, style, and then color.

What does the term 'goatee' refer to, and how does it differ from a full beard?

A 'goatee' is a type of beard that only covers the chin and upper lip. It differs from a full beard, which covers the entire face and neck.