How to Say “Skinny” in Ilocano

By Gregory Jackson • Updated October 4, 2026

nakuttong

The Ilocano word for skinny is nakuttong.

The word nakuttong is used as an adjective to describe someone or something that is thin.

Meaning: thin (adj)

Did you know?

In many Northern Luzon communities, describing a child as nakuttong can trigger immediate concern from elders regarding the child's nutrition.
The word nakuttong uses the prefix na-, which in Ilocano is frequently used to turn a characteristic into a descriptive adjective.
Using nakuttong to describe a person's face often implies they are sick or tired rather than just having a naturally thin bone structure.

Examples in context

Nakuttong unay ti ubing.
The child is very skinny.

Example conversation

Angel and Antonio are talking about a relative.

Angel

Nakuttong ni kabsatmo, Antonio.
Your sibling is skinny, Antonio.
Antonio

Wen, saan na a mangan.
Yes, he doesn't eat.
Angel

Masapol na ti vitamins.
He needs vitamins.
Antonio

Sige, ibaga ko kenkuana.
Okay, I will tell him.

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About The Author

Gregory Jackson

Kumusta! I'm Gregory, your friendly guide to the Filipino language, Tagalog. My passion for languages, especially Tagalog, propels me into writing posts filled with formal and informal ways of expressing yourself in this vibrant language. From everyday greetings like "Good Evening", to unusual phrases such as "pak" or "nga", I've got you covered! I also have an obsession with food which often reflects in my posts — from "cereal" to "spaghetti", expect a dash of yummy in my content. I also write about Ilocano, the language of northern Luzon, sharing how everyday words are said in it. Mabuhay!

Gregory JacksonHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.

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