aunty
Aunty (noun) means an affectionate word for an aunt, the sister of one's mother or father, or the wife of one's uncle. Example: “Aunty Rose always sends a card with a tenner in it.”
How to use aunty
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA friendly word for your aunt, or a polite name for an older woman.
Informal and warm. Aunty and auntie are equally correct; auntie is somewhat more common in Britain, aunty in Indian, Australian and African English. Capitalised when used before or instead of a name.
In the courtesy sense, aunty is a mark of respect rather than a comment on age, and calling an older woman Aunty is often expected.
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Can you complete this real example?
_____ Rose always sends a card with a tenner in it.
Etymology
An affectionate form of aunt, which came into English from Old French ante, from Latin amita 'father's sister'.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for aunty
See all rhymes for aunty →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between aunty and auntie?
None in meaning: they are alternative spellings of the same affectionate form of aunt. Auntie is the more frequent spelling in British publishing, while aunty is common in Indian, Australian and African English.
Why do people call women Aunty when they are not related?
In many cultures family terms extend to the wider community as a mark of respect and closeness. Calling a neighbour or a friend's mother Aunty signals that she is treated as family rather than addressed by first name.
What is the meaning of aunty?
"aunty" (noun) means an affectionate word for an aunt, the sister of one's mother or father, or the wife of one's uncle.
What is another word for aunty?
Other words for "aunty" include auntie, aunt.