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.

Outlines

00:00

💪 Describing Physical Appearance

This paragraph discusses various ways to describe a person's physical appearance in English. It covers terms for body shape such as 'well-built', 'muscular', 'skinny', 'in good shape', and 'physique'. It also introduces vocabulary for describing facial features like 'chiselled features', 'crow’s feet', 'dimples', and 'freckles'. Additionally, it touches on terms for body size and condition, including 'overweight', 'a gut', 'a big belly', and different types of builds like 'medium build' and 'stocky build'.

05:04

👩‍🦱 Hair and Facial Features

The second paragraph focuses on vocabulary related to hair and facial features. It starts with describing hair types such as 'curly', 'straight', and 'wavy', and their lengths. It then moves on to facial hair, explaining terms like 'goatee' and the process of hair changing color, indicated by 'going grey'. The paragraph also addresses the use of adjectives for hair description, the difference between 'fair' and 'blond' hair, and the use of the word 'sweep' in the context of hair styling. It concludes with a brief farewell note to the viewers.

Keywords

💡well-built

The term 'well-built' refers to a person who has a large and muscular physique. It is used to describe someone who is big due to muscle mass rather than fat. In the context of the video, 'well-built' is contrasted with 'skinny' to emphasize the importance of muscular development. For instance, the script mentions, 'He’s well-built, with broad shoulders,' which illustrates the concept of a strong and robust body structure.

💡muscular

The word 'muscular' is used to describe someone who has well-developed muscles. It is often used to indicate physical strength and fitness. In the video, 'muscular' is presented as a positive attribute, suggesting that the person described is not only strong but also likely engages in regular physical activity. The script uses 'He’s very muscular' to highlight the physical characteristic of having a body with noticeable muscles.

💡fit

'Fit' is a term used to describe someone who is in good physical condition, typically as a result of regular exercise. The video uses 'fit' to convey the idea of health and attractiveness that comes from being physically active. It is mentioned that 'She’s in good shape,' which is synonymous with being 'fit,' indicating that she maintains a healthy lifestyle and has a body that reflects regular exercise.

💡physique

The term 'physique' refers to the overall structure and appearance of a person's body, particularly in terms of strength and shape. In the video, 'physique' is used to discuss the body shape and condition of individuals, especially when it comes to being strong or having an attractive body. For example, 'She has an athletic physique' suggests that she has a body that is both strong and visually appealing due to her physical fitness.

💡skinny

'Skinny' is a term used to describe someone who is very thin, often to the point of being too thin. The video script uses 'skinny' as the opposite of 'well-built,' suggesting a lack of muscle mass. The phrase 'He’s skinny' is used to indicate that the person has a thin body frame and might be perceived as not having enough body weight.

💡build

'Build' refers to the physical structure of a person's body, including aspects such as their size, shape, and the presence of muscles. The video discusses various types of builds, such as 'medium build,' 'slim build,' and 'stocky build,' to describe different body types. The script uses 'Your ‘build’ is the shape of your body' to explain that 'build' encompasses the overall physical appearance and constitution of an individual.

💡overweight

The term 'overweight' is used to describe someone who carries excess body weight. It is a more polite term than 'fat' and is used to indicate that a person's weight is higher than what is considered healthy. In the video, 'overweight' is used to discuss body weight in a sensitive manner, as in 'He’s overweight,' which suggests that the individual might need to focus on health and fitness.

💡chiselled features

'Chiselled features' is a phrase used to describe facial features that are sharp, distinct, and attractive, much like those carved by a chisel. This term is often used to compliment someone's facial appearance, particularly men. The video uses 'He has chiselled features, with high cheekbones' to highlight the attractiveness and definition of the person's facial structure.

💡wrinkles

Wrinkles are lines or folds that appear on the skin, typically as a result of aging or excessive sun exposure. The video mentions 'Crow’s feet,' which are specific types of wrinkles that form at the corners of the eyes. The script explains that wrinkles can be 'faint' or 'deep,' indicating the varying visibility and severity of these skin lines.

💡dimples

Dimples are small indentations in the skin that become more noticeable when a person smiles. They are often considered a charming facial feature. The video describes 'She has dimples when she smiles,' which suggests that the presence of dimples adds to her attractiveness and expressiveness.

💡goatee

A 'goatee' is a style of beard that consists of hair on the chin and the area below the lower lip but does not cover the cheeks. It is one of the many types of facial hair mentioned in the video. The script uses 'He has a goatee' to describe a specific facial hair style, indicating a focus on the chin and mouth area.

Highlights

Introduction to Oxford Online English and its offerings.

Availability of free English lessons on the website.

Option to book classes with qualified teachers for various English needs.

Instruction on how to enable subtitles for the lesson.

Explanation of the term 'well-built' and its association with muscularity.

Use of 'muscular' and 'muscly' as synonyms to describe a person's physique.

Alternative phrases to describe physical strength or attractiveness.

Definition and use of 'in good shape' and 'fit' in British English.

Description of 'physique' and its positive connotations.

Understanding the difference between 'skinny', 'thin', and 'slim'.

The concept of 'build' and its various descriptors like 'medium build'.

Use of 'stocky' to describe a broad or wide body shape.

Polite alternatives to 'fat' such as 'overweight' and descriptions of a 'gut'.

Describing facial features with 'chiselled' and 'well-defined'.

Explanation of 'crow’s feet' and other facial wrinkles.

The appearance of 'dimples' and 'freckles' on the face.

Adjectives to describe face shape such as 'round', 'thin', and 'symmetrical'.

Different beard styles including 'goatee' and the process of 'going grey'.

Hair description terms like 'curly', 'straight', and 'wavy', along with length descriptors.

The term 'bald' and its distinction from a 'shaved head'.

Adjective order for hair description and the meaning of 'fair hair'.

How to use 'sweep' in the context of hair styling.

Conclusion and farewell for the lesson.

Transcripts

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He’s well-built, with broad shoulders.

He’s very muscular.

‘Well-built’ means big, but big because of muscle, not fat.

The opposite of well-built is ‘skinny’.

You can say ‘He’s very muscular’ or ‘He’s very muscly’.

They have the same meaning.

There are other ways to say the same thing; for example, ‘He looks strong.’

She’s in good shape.

She has an athletic physique.

‘She’s in good shape’ has the same meaning as ‘She’s fit.’

‘Fit’ describes someone who exercises regularly and is very strong.

Conversationally, in British English, ‘fit’ means ‘attractive’.

It can be used for men and women.

The word ‘physique’ means the shape and condition of your body.

‘Physique’ is most often used with positive adjectives to describe someone who is strong,

or who has an attractive body.

For example, the collocations ‘muscular physique’ and ‘strong physique’ are

common.

He’s skinny.

He has a slight build.

What’s the opposite of ‘fat’?

Actually, there are several words.

‘Thin’ is the basic word.

‘Slim’ is similar; it means ‘thin and attractive’.

‘Skinny’ is a more negative word.

It suggests that someone is *too* thin.

If you say that someone is skinny, it means you think they should eat more.

Your ‘build’ is the shape of your body: whether you’re broad or thin, whether you’re

muscular or not, and so on.

You can use many different adjectives with ‘build’.

Common ones are ‘medium build’, ‘slim build’, ‘proportionate build’ and ‘stocky

build’.

‘Stocky’ means big or wide, usually with muscle rather than fat.

He’s overweight.

He has a gut.

‘Overweight’ is a more indirect word than ‘fat’, although neither is polite if you

are talking directly to someone.

A gut means a big stomach.

You might use it to describe someone who has a lot of extra weight on their stomach.

You could also say ‘He has a big belly’, which has the same meaning.

He has chiselled features, with high cheekbones.

He has very well-defined facial features.

This is a chisel.

It’s a tool which is used to carve stone, for example to make a sculpture or statue.

‘Chiselled features’ means that someone’s facial features are very attractive and clearly-defined,

like a statue.

It’s generally used for men’s faces.

‘Well-defined’ is similar, but can be used for men or women.

If your facial features are well-defined, then your cheekbones, jaw, chin and so on

have a clear shape.

This has a positive meaning, although it doesn’t necessarily mean ‘attractive’.

He has crow’s feet.

He has faint wrinkles in his forehead.

As you get older, you’ll get lines or wrinkles in your face.

Crow’s feet are the patterns of wrinkles you get in the corner of your eyes.

Wrinkles can be ‘faint’ – light and difficult to see – or ‘deep’.

She has dimples when she smiles.

She has freckles on her nose and cheeks.

‘Dimples’ here means small holes in your cheeks which appear when you smile.

Not everyone has them.

Although it’s not common, you can use the word ‘dimple’ to refer to similar holes

in other places.

For example, some people have a dimple on their chin.

Freckles are common among people with very light skin.

Going out into the sun can make your skin more freckled.

She has a round face, with a high forehead.

She has a double chin.

You can use many adjectives to describe the shape of someone’s face, such as: round,

thin, symmetrical, long, or square.

If someone is overweight, they might have a double chin.

He has a goatee.

He’s going grey.

‘Goatee’ is a common word; it’s a beard which covers your chin and upper lip only.

You can also have a full beard, which covers your whole face and neck.

There are many words for different styles of beard, but most of them are not commonly

used, except by beard experts.

If you say ‘he’s going grey’, ‘going’ means ‘becoming’.

You can use ‘go’ in this way for changes in someone’s hair; for example ‘go grey’

or ‘go bald’.

You can also use it if someone’s face changes colour.

For example ‘She went bright red’ or ‘He went pale when he heard the news’.

He has curly black hair.

She has thick shoulder-length curly hair.

‘Curly’ describes hair with tight curls.

What’s the opposite?

The opposite is ‘straight hair’.

In the middle, you can have ‘wavy hair.’

For length, you can say hair is long, short, medium length, or shoulder length.

For very long hair, you might say something like ‘Her hair reached down to her waist’.

He’s bald, with a thick beard.

She has long blonde hair.

‘Bald’ only refers to people who have lost their hair, usually because of aging.

If someone shaves their hair off, you can say ‘He has a shaved head’.

Hair can be thick or thin; you can use these adjectives for hair on your head, or for facial

hair: beards and moustaches.

When talking about hair, be careful with adjective order.

Adjectives like ‘long’, ‘short’, ‘thick’ or ‘thin’ go before the colour.

So, you can have ‘long brown hair’, ‘thick dark hair’, ‘short fair hair’, and so

on.

He has fair hair.

His hair is shaved short at the back and sides, and swept to one side on top.

‘Fair hair’ is similar to ‘blond hair’, but is has a wider meaning.

‘Fair’ just means ‘light’, so it could include light brown hair or dark blond hair.

‘Sweep’ generally means to clean your floor with a broom.

However, you can also use it for hair, especially when you push your hair in one direction.

You can sweep your hair to one side, sweep your hair into a ponytail, or sweep your hair

back.

That’s all for this lesson.

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