A loose, comfortable garment worn for sleeping, typically a nightgown or nightdress, usually worn by women and girls.
From 'night' + '-ie' or '-y' (diminutive suffix, making it sound cute or casual). This informal British term became popular in the early 20th century as a friendly way to refer to nightwear.
The '-ie' suffix is magical in English—it makes almost any word feel friendlier and less formal, which is why we say 'nightie' instead of 'nightgown,' and Australians say 'tinnie' for a tin of beer, turning ordinary objects into cozy-sounding words.
Nightie (nightgown) is gendered feminine in usage and connotation, though men wear nightwear too. The diminutive form subtly reinforces femininity.
Use 'nightgown,' 'nightwear,' or 'pajamas' to avoid gendered connotations.
["nightgown","nightwear","pajamas"]
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