shorty

[ shawr-tee ]

/ ˈʃɔr ti /

Save This Word!

noun, plural short·ies.

a person of less than average stature (sometimes used as a disparaging and offensive term of address).

a garment designed to be of short length, as a hospital bed jacket.

Also shaw·ty

[shaw-tee] /ˈʃɔ ti/ .Slang.

a girl or woman: We watched the shorties on the dance floor, all lookin' so fine.
a girlfriend or sweetheart: Me and my shorty went to that new club over on Ninth last night; what a scene!

adjective

noting a garment designed to be of short length: a shorty nightgown; shorty pajamas.

QUIZ

QUIZ YOURSELF ON "IS" VS. "ARE"

"Is" it time for a new quiz? "Are" you ready? Then prove your excellent skills on using "is" vs. "are."

Question 1 of 7

IS and ARE are both forms of which verb?

Origin of shorty

First recorded in 1905–10; short + -y²

Final legislation is expected to be introduced to the Australian Parliament shorty after.
Explained: Google’s tussle in Australia over paying publishers for news|Lara O'Reilly|August 19, 2020|Digiday
Not yet 30, Shorty has a driving charisma and tone to beat the band.
The Cradle of Jazz, Blues and Gospel Endlessly Rocking|Jason Berry|April 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Get Shorty Farina proves how unsettling and chilling an actor can be while simultaneously being, well, hilarious.
R.I.P. Dennis Farina: Six of His Best Roles (VIDEO)|Kevin Fallon|July 22, 2013|DAILY BEAST
His nickname is El Chapo, which is Spanish slang for “shorty.”
Never Mind El Chapo: Chicago’s Real Public Enemy No. 1 Is the Shorties|Michael Daly|February 17, 2013|DAILY BEAST

More frequently, you find the smirk in comedies, like the sendup of Hollywood nihilism in Get Shorty.
In Vice Presidential Debate, Joe Biden Perfects Art of the Smirk|Lee Siegel|October 13, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Voight shot back, calling Goldberg “shorty” and asking: “What are you talking about?!”
Clint Eastwood Talks to Invisible, a SEAL Speaks & More Viral Videos|The Daily Beast Video|September 1, 2012|DAILY BEAST
"Better stay here, and not go wanderin' off into that mob," remonstrated Shorty.
Si Klegg, Book 2 (of 6)|John McElroy
"We went to sleep nice and comfortable, under a wagon last night," said Shorty, slowly recalling the circumstances.
Si Klegg, Book 2 (of 6)|John McElroy
"It might be," said Shorty, with visions of distributing hardtack to the hungry boys warping his judgment.
Si Klegg, Book 2 (of 6)|John McElroy
Si turned and gave Shorty a wink that conveyed more to that observant individual than a long telegram would have done.
Si Klegg, Book 2 (of 6)|John McElroy
"They got their bellies full o' fightin' yesterday," added Shorty, studying the array judicially.
Si Klegg, Book 2 (of 6)|John McElroy