'a thin story' - indelicate? too sarcastic?

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

Hi

Does It’s a thin story sounds rough? (indelicate? too sarcastic?))

2

Hi Tamara,

I think you can just about say a thin story but to my ear, without wishing to be too academic, I prefer the separation of the two words and would say: That story sounds a bit thin. In other words I would use it predicatively instead of attributively.

Having said all that I would still say thin in the sense of without substance or slight is acceptable when applied to words like: story, plot, excuse.

Alan

3

Hi Tamara

The word “it” suggests that you might be saying the sentence to someone other than the person responsible for the story.

Now, if you said “That’s a thin story” the sentence would sound more like direct feedback (i.e., said directly to the person who told the story). The meaning could be “That’s a lie” or “Your story lacks substance/isn’t well-written”. Either way, the person responsible for the story probably won’t be happy to hear the comment. :wink:

I wouldn’t call it “rough”, but just how indelicate or sarcastic it might be perceived would depend mostly on the context (and probably the personalities involved).

Amy

4

Hi Tamara,

Had another thought about thin, which may be of interest and that is the expression: having a thin time of it. If you are having a thin time of it, you are going through a difficult period in your life, mainly through being unemployed, not having much money ot having personal problems.

Just a thought on thin. Thanks

Alan

5

Hi Alan! Hi, Amy!

Thanks!

I know the expression go through thick and thin! Its Russian equivalent sounds even more funny :slight_smile:

… Going to read your answers - slowly and with pleasure :slight_smile:
(but having no intention to vanish into thin air :slight_smile: )

6

The thread is wearing thin, so I’d like to add one expression I find particularly funny:

To be thin on top (to become bald).

7

You should also concentrate on a limited number of projects, otherwise you might run the risk of spreading yourself thin.[YSaerTTEW443543]

TOEIC listening, photographs: Playing beach volleyball[YSaerTTEW443543]

8

Hi!

‘thin table’ :slight_smile:

:slight_smile:

By the way, in Russian a delicate, subtle hint = ‘thin hint’, literally.
The funny Russian phrase (pun) is ‘a thin hint to thick facts’ (= hint at the obvious)
:slight_smile:

P.S. Amy, thank you very much, indeed, for that it/that. I will be careful! :slight_smile: