auntie

Everyday

1. Auntie is a friendly, informal word for an aunt, the sister of your mum or dad, or the wife of your uncle. tree →
2. In many families and cultures, auntie is a kind name for a woman friend of the family or an older woman. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life and family stories children use it as a name or title: «Auntie Sue». In many communities (for example in Indian, African, Caribbean and Pacific families in the UK, Australia and New Zealand) children call older women «auntie» as a sign of respect. In family trees the word «aunt» is used.

Examples

• Auntie Mel is coming for tea. tree →
• My auntie lives in Scotland. tree →
• Auntie brought us a cake for my birthday. tree →
• My auntie is my mum's sister, so her children are my cousins. tree →
• We call Mum's best friend Auntie Jo. tree →
• Two aunties came to my school play. tree →
• "Good morning, auntie," says the girl. tree →

Note

Also spelled «aunty». Plural: aunties. With a name it takes a capital: «Auntie Rose». More formal word: aunt; male: uncle. Your aunt's children are your cousins.