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name Uncommon

Philly

FIHL-ee

Philly (name) means an informal nickname for the city of Philadelphia. Example: “They grew up in Philly and still root for the Eagles.”

name
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An informal nickname for the city of Philadelphia.
"They grew up in Philly and still root for the Eagles."
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Test yourself on “Philly” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

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Can you complete this real example?

They grew up in _____ and still root for the Eagles.

Etymology

From the first syllable of Philadelphia plus "-y".

Rhymes for Philly

See all rhymes for Philly →

Frequently asked questions

What does “Philly” mean?

The word “Philly” means an informal nickname for the city of Philadelphia.

How do you pronounce “Philly”?

“Philly” is pronounced FIHL-ee (/ˈfɪl.i/ in IPA).

How do you use “Philly” in a sentence?

Here is “Philly” used in a sentence: “They grew up in Philly and still root for the Eagles.”

What part of speech is “Philly”?

“Philly” is a name.

Is “Philly” a common word?

“Philly” is an uncommon word in modern English.

Is "Philly" an informal way to say Philadelphia?

Yes, "Philly" is an informal nickname for the city of Philadelphia, commonly used in casual speech, media, and by residents themselves. It would not typically appear in formal or official documents, where "Philadelphia" is used instead.

Is it rude to call Philadelphia "Philly"?

No, calling Philadelphia "Philly" is not rude; it is an affectionate, widely accepted nickname used by locals and outsiders alike. It carries no negative connotation and is common in everyday conversation, sports commentary, and popular culture.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial