-y

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology | 1996 | 479 words | Copyright

-y6 also -ie, (in some special cases) -ey, as Charley (beside Charlie), jockey, slavey; originating in hypocoristic Sc. formations, and forming pet names and familiar dims., as well as transf. uses such as applications to implements; miscellaneous exx. are daddy, dandy, jemmy, johnny, kiddy, namby-pamby, nanny, teddy, Tommy. Addition to a curtailed form of a disyllable or polysyllable is exemplified by baccy, cabby, hubby, nighty, tummy. For applications of the pl. see -IES.

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T. F. HOAD. "-y." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology. 1996. Encyclopedia.com. 10 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

T. F. HOAD. "-y." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology. 1996. Encyclopedia.com. (February 10, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O27-y6.html

T. F. HOAD. "-y." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology. 1996. Retrieved February 10, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O27-y6.html

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