noun

aunty

AHN-tee or AN-tee

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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.”

noun

informal An affectionate word for an aunt, the sister of one's mother or father, or the wife of one's uncle.

"Aunty Rose always sends a card with a tenner in it."

"We are staying at my aunty's over the holidays."

A respectful title for an older woman who is not a blood relative, used widely in South Asian, South East Asian, African and Caribbean communities.

"Say hello to Aunty properly before you run off."

"The aunties in the community centre organised the whole meal."

How to use aunty

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA friendly word for your aunt, or a polite name for an older woman.

When to use it

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.

Memory tip

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.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

auntie → aunt → antie

Common pairings

Aunty Jean my aunty aunties and uncles call her Aunty

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “aunty” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

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'.

Origin: English

Synonyms

View more →

auntie aunt

Antonyms

uncle

Related words

daughter uncle aunt niece auntie

Rhymes for aunty

Bunty county jaunty bounty

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.

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