Auntie or aunty NOTE: Aunty and Auntie are both the accepted spelling of the word. pl. 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. Feb 14, 2024 · In American English, aunty and auntie are both used, with "auntie" being slightly more common according to some sources. British → an. The primary difference is regional preference: "Aunty" is more common in British English, while "Auntie" is prevalent in American English. The Merriam-Webster dictionary also does this, and claims the first use of 'auntie' was in 1672. Oct 2, 2023 · "Aunty" and "Aunt" both refer to the sister of one's parent or the wife of one's uncle, but "Aunty" is a more informal and affectionate term, while "Aunt" is more formal. While both terms reflect affection and respect for a family member or close family friend, “ aunty ” is widely used in informal and cultural settings, and “ auntie ” is preferred in formal or Westernized contexts. Mar 12, 2024 · "Auntie" is a more informal and affectionate term for "aunt," which denotes a female relative or close friend of the family. Mar 19, 2024 · "Anty" is an incorrect spelling of the word "Aunty," which is an informal term for one's aunt used in English-speaking countries. any female adult that you know who is older than you 3. It may have been a holdover from enslavement and Jim Crow, but recently the term started taking on a new meaning. AUNTIE definition: 1. Sep 23, 2023 · Aunty and Auntie both refer to the sister of one's parent or a female relative. Oct 5, 2023 · "Aunty" and "auntie" are both correct and are informal terms used to refer to one's aunt, a female sibling of one's parent, or a term of affectionate address for a woman who is like an aunt. May 31, 2024 · The terms 'aunt', 'aunty', and 'auntie' are all variations of the word 'aunt' and are used to refer to a female relative who is typically older than the person using the term. How to use auntie in a sentence. ” It is seen as ill-mannered and disrespectful to call your elders by their first names. Jan 27, 2016 · Ngram Auntie BrE vs AmE Ngram Aunty BrE vs AmE Auntie (n. Aug 19, 2023 · Demystifying “Aunty”- A Deep Dive Into This Family Term The word “aunty” represents a curious case where a term of familial endearment also functions as informal address. This is highly applicable in spoken English, but when it comes to written English, it's always safer to ask her how she would like to be addressed. However, both spellings are understood and accepted in each variant of the language, with no significant difference in meaning between them. the sister of your father or mother; the wife of your mom's or dad's sibling Aunty vs. Dec 6, 2024 · Wrap-Up Choosing between “ aunty ” and “ auntie ” boils down to context, culture, and personal preference. Aunty is more commonly used in British English speaking countries like UK, Australia. . quotations Sep 10, 2023 · Aunty and Auntie are informal terms used to address or refer to a woman who is an aunt. Learn when to use each variation, regional preferences, and tips Apr 29, 2024 · Are you confused about the Difference Between Aunty and Auntie? This article clarifies the subtle variations in spelling and potential regional usage. Oct 6, 2023 · Call your auntie before you leave for your tour this month, and let her know when you will reach her. Auntie or aunty is an informal form of the word aunt. ” Aunty conveys warm familiarity as a title and term of address used flexibly in English for biological aunts and unrelated Which is the correct spelling auntie or Aunty? The ever trustworthy Dictionary. How do you spell aunty or auntie? 4 senses: 1. meanings, etymology, pronunciation and more in the Oxford English Dictionary Oct 16, 2024 · An "Aunty" or "Auntie" may take on responsibilities including caring for younger members, providing advice, or even being that other reliable adult figure in their lives. auntie, n. See sentence examples, variations by country, and plural forms of these terms. auntie, aunty /ˈɑːntɪ/ n ( pl -ies) a familiar or diminutive word for aunt Aug 19, 2023 · The key difference: Aunty = admiration, familiarity Auntie = family A memory tip: “Aunty” ends in a “y” like “family. The spelling differs with regional preference or personal choice; both "Aunty" and "Auntie" are used interchangeably. Feb 14, 2024 · However, "aunty" is accepted in some dialects as an informal variant, but "auntie" remains the standard spelling for formal writing. If you’re navigating the world of Indian aunties, whether you’re a newlywed, a young professional, or simply someone trying to understand this vibrant community better, this guide is for you. To better understand the differences, see below for definitions, pronunciation guides, and example sentences using each term. This Aunties definition: the plural of auntie or aunty. May 23, 2024 · Tackling the age-old question of how to spell auntie, we unravel the cultural nuances behind this beloved term of endearment. 4 meanings: 1. When it comes to English spelling, both "auntie" and "aunty" are accepted. While it is common practice, there are times when these terms of endearment can be used in woefully wrong ways. Click for more definitions. Aunty or Auntie in The UK? Between the two ways to spell the word (“aunty” and “auntie”), “auntie” is the spelling more commonly used in the United Kingdom. Is it aunt or aunty? The terms "aunt" and "aunty" are both correct and widely used to refer to one's father's or mother's sister. Auntie: What is the difference between Aunty and Auntie? Have you ever wondered if there's a difference between an aunty and an auntie? Check out our aunty vs auntie comparison article to find out! Read more here. In the debate abut aunty or aunties, let’s not overlook the plural form the noun has. Dec 11, 2023 · Which term should you use: aunty or auntie? Find out which is correct and what cultural influences shape these informal terms. In British English, "aunty" is widely accepted and used. See examples of AUNTIES used in a sentence. S. Calling Black women “auntie” connoted inferiority. In the north-west and my aunts and mum's friends were all Auntie. 1868 An aunt is a female individual who is a sibling of a parent or married to a sibling of a parent. They are known for their warmth, wisdom, and sometimes, their, shall we say, direct approach to life. They may also refer to: Aug 5, 2023 · While both “aunty” and “auntie” are used in everyday conversations, “auntie” is the more commonly used term among locals in Hawaii. My mothers sister is my aunty. On the other hand, "aunt" is the formal term used in both written and spoken English to refer to a parent's sister or sister-in-law, carrying a more neutral tone. ” While similar, important distinctions exist between the words “aunty” and “auntie. Auntie: What is the difference between Aunty and Auntie? Both aunty and auntie are casual terms that are used interchangeably by people but they bear some differences. In family circles, ‘Auntie’ is your mother/father’s female sibling/cousin. auntie / aunty are similar-sounding terms with different meanings (referred to as homophones). We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Learn more. What does Auntie mean in Indian culture? In India, it is the custom to address people a generation older than oneself as “uncle” or “aunty. → a familiar or diminutive word for aunt 2. Suffixes -y and -ie are often used in English to form endearing or familiar names. It is a term of endearment that is used to show respect and familiarity towards older female relatives or female figures in the community. And how come a 30 years old lady calls a 45 years old or above age lady “Sister, or by her name. Find out the meanings, pronunciations, examples, and FAQs of these informal terms for aunts. Jun 20, 2021 · In Hawaii, Aunty and Unko (Uncle in Standard English) are used as a sign of respect towards elders. I am going to see aunty Melissa tonight. However, there are some differences… How is Auntie Spelt in Australia? Aussies tend to use 'aunty' more, whilst the Brits use 'auntie'. Auntie = dictionary standard, Aunty = casual regional. Nov 10, 2022 · Learn the difference between 'auntie' and 'aunty', two ways to say the same thing in English. Both use aunty or auntie to refer to our Broadcasting Corporations, the ABC and the BBC. Oct 30, 2025 · auntie (third-person singular simple present aunties, present participle auntying, simple past and past participle auntied) To be or behave like the aunt of. Definition and Etymology of Auntie The word auntie refers to the sister of one's parent or a close female adult friend who is treated with the affection and respect accorded to a family member. It's a sign of affection and respect that is usually reserved for women you have some kind of social or familial connection An aunt and her niece in Tigray, Ethiopia Isabel, Princess Imperial of Brazil (right) with her nephew Prince Pedro Augusto sitting on her lap. Wondering about Aunty Hawaii, and why you’ll hear so many locals call people Uncle & Aunty? You’ve come to the right place! Aunty & Uncle in Hawaii In Hawaii, everybody is everyone’s uncle or aunty or sistah or bruddah. Australian offensive, slang an older homosexual man 1. So you have many Aunties. , of elderly slave women. Understanding their distinctions ensures your language Learn how to spell "aunty" or "auntie" in different regions that use English, such as the UK, the US, Australia, Canada, and Hawaii. Aunts who are related by birth are second-degree relatives Dec 17, 2019 · If you're wondering which is the correct spelling, aunty or auntie, then you're in the right place. Aunty vs. The negro no longer submits with grace to be called "uncle" or "auntie" as of yore. Find out the definition, history, and usage of both words in sentences. The Merriam-Webster dictionary also does this, and claims the first use of ‘auntie’ was in 1672. ): 1787, also aunty, familiar diminutive form of aunt. Learn when to use each with examples. What Is The Plural Form Of Aunty And Auntie? Both the word aunty and auntie are singular nouns, and like any other nouns, they also have a plural form. A 15 years old, school going girl calls a 30 years old newly wedded lady “Aunty “when there is just 15 years of a gap in their ages. At left, Isabel's sister Princess Leopoldina holding her son Prince Augusto Leopoldo, c. The meaning of AUNTIE is aunt. an aunt: 2. Aug 30, 2023 · My aunty makes the best apple pie in the world. Learn the difference between "auntie" and "aunty", two informal terms for an aunt or older female relative. In British English, "auntie" or "aunty" is commonly used as a term of endearment for one's aunt. Though you might not think of ‘Auntie’ as a title, it actually is one. If you've ever wondered about gender-neutral family terms for "uncle" and "aunt" (or other words), here's your authoritative list! Aunty or Auntie in The UK? Between the two ways to spell the word (“aunty” and “auntie”), “auntie” is the spelling more commonly used in the United Kingdom. Auntie is more commonly used in both British and American English. auntie synonyms, auntie pronunciation, auntie translation, English dictionary definition of auntie. However, their usage can vary depending on cultural or regional preferences. While these terms are often used interchangeably, there are some subtle differences in their usage and connotations. com, Google, Wikipedia and the Cambridge English Dictionary redirect ‘aunty’ to ‘auntie’, so the latter is most likely more correct. 👇 The meaning of AUNTIE is aunt. According to the infallible Wikipedia, Aussies adopted 'Aunty' as a name for our ABC in imitation of the English nickname 'Auntie' for their BBC. The only people actually called aunt were great-aunts, but nine times out of ten they were Auntie too. Auntie, sometimes spelled aunty, is used in some cultures as a term of affection and respect for an older woman, whether or not she is the sister of one’s father or mother, or the wife of one’s uncle or aunt. aunty — auntie UK [ˈɑːntɪ] / US [ˈæntɪ] or aunty UK / US noun [countable] Word forms auntie : singular auntie plural aunties informal your aunt. People (especially kids) in Canada often call an aunt "auntie" ("Hi, auntie Laura!") and my relatives who live in the…. Mar 6, 2024 · Learn the meaning and origin of the informal words aunty and auntie, and how to use them correctly in British and American English. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more. This is based on data from books published between 1950- 2019. Mar 26, 2024 · The term “auntie” became a way to minimize the importance of Black women, especially if they were older. Mar 19, 2023 · The words “aunty” and “auntie” are both used as terms of endearment for an aunt, a woman who is a sister of one’s parent, or a woman who is married to one’s uncle. Oct 23, 2023 · An easy guide on how to respectfully address an "auntie" In Indian culture, an auntie refers to any older woman. See data from books and dictionaries to compare the popularity and usage of both terms. com, Google, Wikipedia and the Cambridge English Dictionary redirect 'aunty' to 'auntie', so the latter is most likely more correct. also aunt·y n. What does Auntie mean in Australia? Australians also use the terms' auntie' and 'aunty' to refer to an indigenous ( native) Australian woman who has earned their respect. Oct 28, 2024 · Discover the difference between 'aunty' and 'auntie' spellings. While its core meaning seems… Auntie Look up auntie or aunty in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. Which age of woman is called Aunty? There is a huge double standard when we talk about the age of a woman. Sep 30, 2023 · Learn how to use "aunty" and "auntie" in different regions and contexts. Weigh up history and geography to discover the true use. 59 votes, 137 comments. As a form of kindly address to an older woman to whom one is not related, originally in southern U. Define auntie. Soooo… to save you from possibly coming off as disrespectful, here are 5 times (backed by real-life examples) where using the term aunty and uncle could be considered inappropriate. Sep 22, 2022 · What does Auntie mean in Malaysia? Titles, like the Datoks and Datins and Tan Sris are indicative of status. Aunty is the Definition of auntie noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Not necessarily in a blood-related way but in a way that’s more a sign of respect… Oct 29, 2025 · Aunty or Auntie? Both are correct, but context matters. Find out how regional variations, cultural preferences, and historical influences affect the usage of these terms. Mar 4, 2024 · Auntie is commonly used in casual contexts or within families as a term of endearment. an aunt: . aunt·ies Informal Aunt. A child often calls a woman auntie when she is a close friend of the family … Jan 11, 2025 · Indian aunties hold a special place in the cultural fabric of India and the Indian diaspora. It conveys warmth and closeness, suggesting a friendly and affectionate relationship. The word Auntie must have come from the colonial era because, based on my knowledge, the Dravidian language Kannada has never used native words for Aunt (ಅತ್ತೆ / atte, ಚಿಕ್ಕಮ್ಮ / cikkamma, ದೊಡ್ಡಮ್ಮ / doḍḍamma) to refer to older ladies that they didn't know or that don't have a familial relationship What is the correct way to spell aunty or auntie? The ever trustworthy Dictionary. There has been an increase in the use of both forms, however, since approximately 2005. cyx iuvmr kfazokk jghtkbw merotaym qxvke cbqsu xpqurago zvqls qolqzw bjsv jnbi xeum ewsl sltfca