noun Uncommon

footy

FUU-tee

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Footy (noun) means informal British/Australian word for football; depending on the region, it can mean soccer, rugby league, or Australian rules football. Example: “A group of mates were kicking a footy around in the park.”

noun

Informal British/Australian word for football; depending on the region, it can mean soccer, rugby league, or Australian rules football.

"But footy, especially this kind of footy, transcended family drama — that went without saying — so Erik Falk had of course invited his son." — Jane Harper, Exiles (2022)

"A group of mates were kicking a footy around in the park."

"He never misses a footy match on Saturday."

How to use footy

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA casual, affectionate way of saying "football" — the exact sport it means depends on where you are.

When to use it

Very informal; mainly used in British and Australian English.

UK vs US

In the UK, footy usually means soccer; in Australia it often means Aussie rules or rugby league — Americans would say "football" or specify the sport instead.

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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”.

Word forms

Plural: footies
Comparative: more footy
Superlative: most footy

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

A group of mates were kicking a _____ around in the park.

Etymology

Compare Dutch vochtig. In the senses "insignificant, paltry; poorly kept, shoddy," Merriam-Webster suggests it derives from French foutu, the past participle of foutre ("to copulate, fuck, screw").

Origin: French

Rhymes for footy

Ooty zloty booty snooty

See all rhymes for footy →

Frequently asked questions

What does “footy” mean?

The word “footy” means informal British/Australian word for football; depending on the region, it can mean soccer, rugby league, or Australian rules football. In plain terms, a casual, affectionate way of saying "football" — the exact sport it means depends on where you are.

How do you pronounce “footy”?

“Footy” is pronounced FUU-tee (/ˈfʊti/ in IPA).

How do you use “footy” in a sentence?

Here is “footy” used in a sentence: “A group of mates were kicking a footy around in the park.”

What part of speech is “footy”?

“Footy” is a noun.

Is “footy” a common word?

“Footy” is an uncommon word in modern English.