What are the different connotations for ''thin'' and ''skinny''?

Thanks for
the question!

Theof a word is the emotional weight a word carries for the
reader.The connotation of a word is different than the , or the dictionary definition of a
word.For example, the words "chubby" and "fat" have similar denotative
meanings.However, the word "chubby" evokes positive emotions; one might picture a
comedic character from a sitcom or Santa Claus when "chubby" is used to describe a
person's frame.The connotations of fat are far more negative.

In 's memoir
, the inhabitants of the concentration camps are repeatedly described using
the word "skinny". Examine this excerpt from the English translation of the novel, as
Elie ponders the effects of his malnourished,

you are too
skinny€¦you are too weak€¦you are too skinny, you are good for the ovens €¦ The race seemed
endless; I felt as though I had been running for years€¦You are too skinny, you are too
weak...

This shows that Elie connects his skeletal frame
with his possible demise.He understands that physical weakness is dangerous, as it could lead to
his death in the gas chambers of Auschwitz.

This brings us to your original
question regarding the use of "skinny" and "thin" in
Night.Skinny has a negative connotation, implying that a person is too
underweight."Thin" is a more neutral word that does not carry strong or positive
emotional weight.

A translator's choice to employ the word
"skinny" rather than "thin" would indicate that they believe Wiesel's
original Yiddish language to carry negative emotional connotations.

I hope
this helps!