The phrase "bag of bones" uses the standard English spelling system, with "bag" representing the /bæɡ/ sound and "of" representing the /əv/ sound. "Bones," on the other hand, is spelled with a silent "e" at the end, which implies that the vowel in the preceding syllable should be long (/oʊ/). The entire phrase is pronounced "/bæɡ əv boʊnz/" with emphasis on the second word. This common expression is used to describe someone who is very thin or weak.
Bag of bones is a colloquial phrase used to describe a person who is extremely thin or emaciated, with prominent bones visible through their skin. This term can be applied to individuals who have lost a significant amount of weight due to illness, malnourishment, or inadequate care for their physical well-being. The term "bag of bones" is often used metaphorically to emphasize the thinness and fragility of the person's physical appearance.
The phrase hints at the skeletal structure being the most apparent characteristic in such individuals, as the skin and flesh appear to have wasted away. It conveys a sense of extreme depletion and weakness, as though the person's body is merely a collection of bones held together by thin skin. This expression conveys a certain degree of pity or sympathy toward the individual's state, recognizing their vulnerability and frailty.
Additionally, "bag of bones" can be employed metaphorically to describe someone who appears weak, feeble, or lacking vitality. In this context, it emphasizes the person's physical condition, highlighting their lack of energy or vigor. This extended usage implies that the person lacks strength or vitality, both physically and even emotionally. "Bag of bones" serves as a vivid descriptor, capturing the visual image of someone who is excessively thin, weak, and depleted, often evoking sympathy and concern.