shorty
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: shawty · shawtie
Sense 1
Meaning · English
Something or someone that is shorter than normal.
Register: derogatory, informal
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
A rock fishing expedition doesn't involve a lot of paraphernalia. Mick had brought his short rod with the overhead style, egg-beater reel they use off boats. 'The shorty's good for the fight.'
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
A term of endearment for a child, younger sibling, shorter person, etc.
Register: informal
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 3
Meaning · English
A child.
Register: slang
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “shorty” mean?
Something or someone that is shorter than normal.
Is “shorty” formal or informal?
shorty is generally derogatory, informal.