The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word SKINNIER
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The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does SKINNIER mean?
SKINNIER adjective- Thin, generally in a negative sense (as opposed to slim, which is thin in a positive sense).
- (of food or beverages) Low-fat.
- Naked; nude (chiefly used in the phrase skinny dipping).
- (of clothing) tight-fitting