According to the trustworthy Oxford dictionary, the word auntie (also aunty) noun (pl.-- aunties) - Informal a person's aunt, while oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com shows two meanings for the word auntie: 1. an informal word for aunt and 2. (Indian English, South-East Asian English) used as a polite way of addressing or referring to an older woman.
What does Aunty/Auntie mean?
In Britain, you are very likely to hear aunty/auntie used as a more affectionate version of aunt. Another meaning, which has nothing to do with the original word but is primarily used by the older generations, is an informal name for the BBC ( British Broadcast Corporation). Some people say that it has to do with their approach as a TV.
Do you spell it aunty or Auntie online Scrabble?
I spell it Aunty Online scrabble can be really annoying on this kind of issue – I often want to argue with it. Which is silly of course. I use Aunty but on occasions over the years I have often come across Auntie.
How do you address an aunty or Auntie in your community?
If you’re wondering how to address an aunty or auntie in your local Aboriginal community non-verbally, for example writing a letter, email, or mentioning her online, you should simply ask her how she would like to be referred to. Which do you think is right, aunty or auntie?
Is it Auntie Lotika or Auntie Auntie?
In this meaning, say Lotika auntie, not Auntie Lotika . If you want to sound especially polite, you can say auntieji .
Is there any difference in the meaning of the words aunty and auntie?
There are some differences that you should be aware of. Firstly the words aunty and auntie are both diversions of the word aunt, you know they are the ladies that usually come around for special occasions, like Christmas, New Year, celebrations, parties, but if they live nearby, they might drop by more often.
The difference in spelling - Aunty vs. Auntie
When it comes to English spelling, both "auntie" and "aunty" are accepted. Suffixes -y and -ie are often used in English to form endearing or familiar names. We often hear these suffixes added to nouns like sweetie, granny, doggie, birdy and such to add extra affection and emotion to show how we feel towards that person or thing.
What does UK Oxford Dictionary say about these words?
According to the trustworthy Oxford dictionary, the word auntie (also aunty) noun ( pl.-- aunties) - Informal a person's aunt, while oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com shows two meanings for the word auntie:
How people from different countries use these words
In Britain, you are very likely to hear aunty/auntie used as a more affectionate version of aunt. Another meaning, which has nothing to do with the original word but is primarily used by the older generations, is an informal name for the BBC ( British Broadcast Corporation). Some people say that it has to do with their approach as a TV.
Plural of Singular Nouns
Auntie and aunty are singular nouns and they make their plural form as every other regular noun.
What is an aunty?
Actually as per the technical definition of aunt, any female of mature age having at least 25% of genetic relationship with that person is his/her aunt or aunty. The word aunty ages back to around early 18 th century and it is said that the other informal term auntie is being derived from this word.
Why is Aunty called Aunty?
Other than that, uncle’s wife is also called aunty. In some parts of the world a mature lady is often called aunty in order to show respect towards her. The term aunt means mother like and it was derived from the French word ‘ante’, actually this French word was originated for the Latin word amita.
What is the difference between "aunt" and "auntie"?
The word aunty is said to be of more frequent use in British English, whereas the word auntie is said to be of more frequent use in American English.
What is the formal word for aunt?
Following it, aunt is the formal word and when one refers or call their aunt in informal way it becomes aunty or auntie. Here it should be kept mentioned that words like bro or broda, are the informal words used in place of brother.
Where does the word "Aunty" come from?
The word aunty is derived from the actual formal word aunt. The word auntie is said to be the molded or derived form of aunt. The word aunty is said to be of more frequent use in British English. The word auntie is said to be of more frequent use in American English.
Is "auntie" a formal word?
Auntie is yet another informal word used in replace of the actual word aunt. The informal words replace more popularly the original words as they seemed to be more stylish and people using it think that it let us express more affection and show more strong bonding as compare to the usage of formal word.
What does "Aunty" mean in Australia?
The term aunty or auntie is also used as a term of respect to refer to an older Indigenous Australian woman, who may or may not be related to the speaker. Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians can use ‘aunty’ or ‘auntie’ towards a woman of high esteem and earned respect, but non-Indigenous Australians should always ask whether this is ...
When was Auntie first used?
The Merriam-Webster dictionary also does this, and claims the first use of ‘auntie’ was in 1672. However, they don’t reference how they know this or explain more about the story.
Is "aunty" a word?
Well, actually, ‘aunty’ and ‘auntie’ are just informal versions of the word ‘aunt’, and so both are okay to use. But if you’re really pedantic, and you absolutely need to know if it’s aunty or auntie….
auntie in American English
Webster’s New World College Dictionary, 4th Edition. Copyright © 2010 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. All rights reserved.
auntie in American English
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