Booties

/ˈbuːtiz/ noun

Definition

Small soft shoes for babies or infants, or short ankle boots worn by adults.

Etymology

Diminutive form of 'boot,' with the suffix '-ie' making it small and endearing. Originally referred to small protective shoes for infants, later applied to women's short boots.

Kelly Says

The cutesy '-ie' suffix in 'booties' shows how English loves to shrink and soften words when talking about babies and beloved things—we don't call them 'baby feet coverings,' we baby-talk the whole word!

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