Plural of bunny, an informal and affectionate term for rabbits, especially young ones. Often used in contexts involving children or to convey cuteness.
From 'bunny', a diminutive form possibly derived from 'bun' (a term for rabbit) with the affectionate suffix '-y'. First recorded in the 17th century as a pet name for rabbits, especially in children's language.
This word showcases the linguistic phenomenon of 'baby talk' - the way certain words become permanently associated with childhood speech patterns. 'Bunnies' sounds inherently cuter and more innocent than 'rabbits', demonstrating how sound symbolism affects meaning.
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