Wordsmith Talk |
About Us | What's New | Search | Site Map | Contact Us | |||
Register Log In Wordsmith.org Forums General Topics Q&A about words old man
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
there are some diminutive suffixes in english
See, I knew my little old light (lighty?) wasn't shining brightly enough, Helen.
Indeed, the "-ette" ending from the French (bless those Normans) pervades English, as also in caravanette, maisonette, teat pipette, errrrm that's all I can think of at present.
Didn't know that "smithers" meant anything, but have used the phrase "blown to smithereens" lots. And Maureen being a diminutive Maura is also news to me, so thanks for that.
word endings that indicate a female
Applies a lot to names, doesn't it? George >> Georgina, Stephen >> Stephanie, Fred(eric) >> Frederica, Max(imilian) >> Maxine, David >> Davina.
I wonder if once upon a time these may have provided a means for a proud (and dominant)father to name a daughter after himself.
Moderated by Jackie
Link Copied to Clipboard
Forum Statistics Forums16Topics13,915Posts229,892Members9,197 Most Online3,341
Dec 9th, 2011
Newest Members Bill_L, achz, MAGNVSTALSMA, Burlyfish, Renegade98
9,197 Registered Users
Who's Online Now 0 members (), 357 guests, and 2 robots. Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Top Posters(30 Days) A C Bowden 29
Top Posters wwh 13,858Faldage 13,803Jackie 11,613wofahulicodoc 10,893tsuwm 10,542LukeJavan8 9,947Buffalo Shrdlu 7,210AnnaStrophic 6,511Wordwind 6,296of troy 5,400
Forum Rules · Mark All Read Contact Us · Forum Help · Wordsmith.org