biddy

¹

[bid-ee]

noun

Chiefly New England, South Midland, and Southern U.S.

plural

biddies 

1. a chicken.

2. a newly hatched chick.

biddy

²

[bid-ee]

noun

plural

biddies 

1. a fussbudget, especially a fussy old woman.

2. a female domestic servant, especially a cleaning woman.

biddy

¹

/ ˈbɪdɪ /

noun

1. a dialect word for chicken hen

biddy

²

/ ˈbɪdɪ /

noun

1. informal,  a woman, esp an old gossipy or interfering one

Word History and Origins

Origin of biddy¹

1595–1605; compare British dialect biddy (< ?) with same sense, usually as a call to chickens

Origin of biddy²

1700–10; special use of Biddy, by-form of Bridget ( def. )

Word History and Origins

Origin of biddy¹

C17: perhaps imitative of calling chickens

Origin of biddy²

C18: from pet form of Bridget

Example Sentences

In a society that tries to relegate older women to biddy status the moment they turn 50, they persisted.

From Los Angeles Times

Choreographer Warren Carlyle appears to have convinced Zaks that “The Music Man” is a dance show; the townsfolk, from kiddies to biddies, spin and kick at the drop of a straw hat.

From Washington Post

Though the friendship is still rocky, Jones remains hopeful: "I think when we're old biddies we're going to laugh about it."

From Salon

Underestimated as an old biddy with a love for knitting, the most famous resident of St. Mary Mead uses her unassuming identity to her advantage.

From Washington Post

Once, while distracted by a scolding biddy, my daughter disappeared.

From Los Angeles Times

When To Use

What does biddy mean?

Biddy can refer to a nosy, old woman or attractive, young woman. Both uses can be considered offensive. Content warning: this article contains references to sexual and sexist content.