Here's the breakdown of its origins:
* "Skin" likely refers to the thinness of a person's wallet or purse, suggesting they have little money.
* "Skint" is a shortened form of "skinned," implying that the person is "skinned" of their money, leaving them with nothing.
It's worth noting that the word "skint" is not related to the word "skin" in the sense of the outer layer of a person's body.
While the exact origin is uncertain, the term is believed to have emerged from the working class in Britain, reflecting the harsh realities of poverty and financial struggles. Its use has become widespread and is now a recognized slang term across various English-speaking countries.