betty
6 synonyms for betty, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A short metal bar used to force open a lock or door; a burglar's jimmy.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use betty
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
apple betty
crack a lock with a betty
Etymology
From the nickname Betty for Elizabeth. Thieves' slang later borrowed the name for a lock-picking bar, much as it borrowed "Bess" for the same tool.
Full origin of betty →Frequently asked questions
What does “betty” mean?
The word “betty” means a short metal bar used to force open a lock or door; a burglar's jimmy. In plain terms, most commonly a nickname for Elizabeth; in older slang, also a tool for forcing locks or a fruit-and-breadcrumb dessert.
How do you pronounce “betty”?
“Betty” is pronounced BEH-tee (/ˈbɛti/ in IPA).
How do you use “betty” in a sentence?
Here is “betty” used in a sentence: “The thief pried the window open with a betty.”
What part of speech is “betty”?
Depending on how it is used, “betty” can be a noun and a name.
Is “betty” a common word?
“Betty” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “betty” have?
“Betty” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a short metal bar used to force open a lock or door; a burglar's jimmy.
What is the difference between a betty and a jimmy?
In burglary slang, a betty is essentially the same tool as a jimmy: a short metal bar used to force open a lock or door. 'Betty' is simply an older or regional term for this kind of pry bar.
What is a brown betty or apple betty?
A betty is a baked dessert made of layered fruit and buttered breadcrumbs. It is most often seen in the names 'brown betty' and 'apple betty,' where sliced fruit is baked between layers of sweetened crumbs.
Is Betty a nickname for Elizabeth?
Yes. Betty is a traditional pet form of the female name Elizabeth, alongside related short forms such as Beth, Bess, and Betsy.
When is 'betty' written with a capital B?
As the personal name, Betty is capitalized. When it refers to the burglar's tool or the baked dessert, it is normally written in lowercase, as in 'brown betty.'
