tummy

UK: ˈtʌmi | US: ˈtʌmi

Definition

  1. n. (informal) the stomach or belly, especially of a child

Structure
tum <stomach>my <diminutive suffix>
Etymology

tummy = tum<stomach> + my<diminutive suffix>

  • tum<stomach>: Derived from childish or affectionate shortening of "stomach."
  • my<diminutive suffix>: A playful or endearing suffix, often used in informal or childlike contexts.

Etymology Origin:
"Tummy" originated in the 19th century as a colloquial, child-friendly term for "stomach." It likely evolved from the affectionate or diminutive tendency to soften adult words for children (e.g., "tum" + "-y"). The word reflects a linguistic pattern of creating warm, informal variants of anatomical terms.

Examples

  1. The baby laughed when her mother tickled her tummy.

  2. He rubbed his tummy after eating too much cake.

  3. "Does your tummy hurt?" the nurse asked the little boy.

  4. She wore a shirt that showed off her flat tummy.

  5. The puppy rolled over, exposing its soft tummy.