noun
auntie
AN-tee/ˈænti/
An affectionate form of address for an aunt.
His auntie kneels to greet him while he holds a handmade gift.
Etymology
The ancestor of aunt meant specifically a father's sister. The diminutive ending adds familiarity or affection rather than literal smallness, making auntie a warmer form of address.
In context
other? Let me introduce you. Susan. This is my nephew, Julian. Julian. Susan. Your aunt. Your age difference Julian, Call her Aunt. Oh, that's fine. Call me whatever you want. Auntie is fine, too.
More examples
- My auntie taught me how to make that soup.
- Several family friends are affectionately called aunties.
- She addressed the older neighbor as Auntie.
Forms
auntie · aunties
Similar words
- aunt
- Is the standard family term without the same affectionate tone.