Meaning of the Word
Aunties is the plural form of aunty, which refers to multiple women who are either the sisters of one’s parents or women who are close family friends treated like family.
Definitions and Meaning in English
- Multiple women who are the sisters of one’s father or mother.
- A term of endearment or respect for more than one older woman, particularly in familial or close community settings.
- Used to refer to several women who are elder or nurturing figures in a family, irrespective of biological relation.
- A colloquial term used to describe several women in a group who play roles similar to that of a family member, often nurturing or guiding.
- Informally used for multiple women whom one feels a close relationship with, even if they are not directly related.
History and Origin
The term “aunties” is derived from the word “aunty,” which has roots in Old French as “ante” or “aunte,” meaning “aunt.” The plural form simply extends the original meaning to include more than one woman. The term has been used in English for centuries and has spread to many cultures worldwide, becoming a term of respect and affection, particularly in South Asian, African, and Middle Eastern societies.
Detailed Explanation
Aunties refers to more than one woman who is either a biological or non-biological relative, usually a woman who is the sister of one’s parent or a close family friend who is treated like an aunt. The term is widely used in informal settings and signifies respect, affection, or familiarity. While in formal contexts, a woman may be referred to as “aunt”, in informal settings, “aunties” expresses an added level of familiarity and emotional warmth.
In many cultures, aunties are seen as figures who provide care, guidance, and love, often taking on roles similar to mothers or older sisters in the family or community. The term is also used for women who are part of a person’s extended family circle, such as close family friends, neighbors, or mentors, who are given the same level of respect.
Example Sentences
- All my aunties gathered at our house for the family reunion.
- We invited both of our aunties to the wedding to make it extra special.
- The aunties in our community always help with childcare when needed.
- My aunties taught me how to cook traditional dishes.
- I spent the summer with my aunties and cousins, and it was the best time.
- All of my aunties gave me advice about life and love.
- We had a fun afternoon with the aunties at the park.
- The aunties made sure everyone was well-fed during the family gathering.
- I asked all my aunties to help me plan the party for my mom’s birthday.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Aunts: The formal plural of aunt, referring to the sisters of one’s parents.
- Sisters-in-law: A woman who is married to one’s brother, who may be considered part of the family circle like an aunt.
- Matriarchs: The respected elder women of a family or community, often seen as a guiding force.
- Family friends: Close women in the family’s social circle who are treated as family, similar to aunties.
- Mentors: Women who provide guidance and support, much like aunties do in many families.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Cousins: Children of one’s aunt or uncle, often part of the extended family circle.
- Uncles: The male counterparts of aunties, referring to brothers of one’s parents.
- Grandmothers: Mothers of one’s parents, another term for elder female family members who may fulfill a nurturing role.
- Elders: Older members of a community who are respected for their wisdom, often including aunties.
- Nurturers: People, often women, who care for and guide younger members of a family or community, similar to the role of aunties.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- Aunt: A singular term for a woman who is the sister of one’s parents.
- Nana: A term for grandmother, often used affectionately like aunties.
- Sisterhood: A term reflecting a close bond between women, which could include aunties in a broader community or family.
- Family matriarchs: Respected older women in the family who may fulfill the same role as aunties.
- Caretakers: Women who provide care or guidance, similar to the role of aunties.
Antonyms
- Nephews: The male counterparts to aunties, referring to the sons of one’s siblings.
- Nieces: The female counterparts to aunties, referring to the daughters of one’s siblings.
- Uncles: The male version of aunties, often the brother of one’s parent.
- Sons: Male children, often the opposite gender of the nurturing aunties.
- Daughters: Female children, the opposite of elder women like aunties who typically provide guidance.
