Strong Is the New Skinny

A Phrase Worth Examining

Updated: 2026.05.07

3 min read · Intermediate

강함이 새로운 날씬함이다

Discussion Questions

In your own words, please briefly summarize the article.

여러분의 언어로 교재를 간단히 요약해 주세요.

What part of the reading resonated with you most?

이번 교재에서 가장 공감하는 내용은 무엇인가요?

Have you ever felt pressured to look a certain way because of a social media trend or slogan?

SNS 트렌드나 슬로건 때문에 특정 외모를 가져야 한다는 압박을 느낀 적이 있나요?

Why do you think fitness culture shifted from "thin" to "strong" in the 2010s?

2010년대에 피트니스 문화가 마름에서 강함으로 바뀐 이유가 무엇이라고 생각하시나요?

The article argues that "strong" simply added a new requirement on top of "skinny." Do you agree?

본문은 강함이 마름에 새로운 조건을 추가했을 뿐이라고 주장합니다. 동의하시나요?

How much do you think advertising and marketing shape our perception of an ideal body?

광고와 마케팅이 우리가 생각하는 이상적인 몸매에 얼마나 영향을 미친다고 생각하시나요?

What motivates you personally to exercise—appearance, health, mood, or something else?

개인적으로 운동하는 동기가 외모, 건강, 기분 향상, 또는 다른 이유 중 무엇인가요?

What would a truly body-neutral fitness culture look like, and do you think it is achievable?

진정으로 외모 중립적인 피트니스 문화는 어떤 모습일까요? 그리고 그게 실현 가능하다고 생각하시나요?

If you have a question or questions that you'd like to discuss during your class, please write them down.

궁금한 점이 있거나 수업 중에 얘기해 보고 싶은 질문이 있으면 적어주세요.

Expressions

waif

A very thin, frail-looking person, often used to describe an extremely slender body type

Example

The fashion industry was criticized for promoting the waif look as the beauty ideal.

Example

She appeared so thin on stage that critics described her as waif-like.

traction

The process of gaining popularity, support, or momentum, especially for an idea or movement

Example

The new policy proposal gained traction after several politicians endorsed it.

Example

The startup struggled to gain traction in the competitive tech market.

intimidating

Making someone feel frightened or nervous, often discouraging them from doing something

Example

Walking into a gym for the first time can feel very intimidating for beginners.

Example

She found the job interview intimidating, but prepared thoroughly to overcome her nerves.

unattainable

Impossible or extremely difficult to achieve, reach, or obtain

Example

Many beauty standards promoted online are unattainable for the average person.

Example

Setting unattainable goals often leads to frustration and burnout.

unambiguous

Completely clear and leaving no room for doubt or multiple interpretations

Example

The research findings were unambiguous: regular exercise significantly reduces health risks.

Example

Her unambiguous response made it clear that she was not interested in the proposal.

*This material is designed for the exclusive use of Ringle students on the Ringle platform.

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