Informal term for a person of short stature, or in slang, an attractive young woman or romantic partner. Can also refer to anything notably short in length.
American English slang from the early 20th century, formed by adding the diminutive suffix '-y' to 'short'. The romantic partner meaning emerged in African American Vernacular English in the 1990s and spread through hip-hop culture.
The evolution of 'shorty' from a potentially offensive term about height to a term of endearment in relationships shows how slang can completely transform meanings. In hip-hop culture, calling someone 'shorty' became a way of showing affection, regardless of the person's actual height.
Primarily used as a gendered diminutive for women, reducing identity to physical stature and often used in contexts that infantilize or objectify.
Avoid using to address or describe women. Use neutral alternatives when referring to height.
["shorter person","person of short stature","by name"]
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