In Britain, Auntie Is Also the BBC
Auntie is an affectionate word for an aunt. It is also a long-standing nickname for the BBC, and it was not meant kindly at first.
Auntie is the affectionate form of *aunt*. In Britain the word also names the BBC, a nickname that began as a jab: the corporation was seen as prim, fussy and disapproving, like a maiden aunt. The BBC eventually adopted the name with good humour, and it has been used fondly ever since.
- An aunt, affectionately. *Auntie Joan.*
- The BBC (British). *Auntie is showing it tonight.*
- A respectful term for an older woman. *Ask Auntie next door.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | auntie | My auntie. |
| Variant | aunty | Aunty Pat. |
| Plural | aunties | Both aunties. |
| Base | aunt | A great-aunt. |
| Related | uncle | My uncle. |
How it is used in a sentence
- Auntie is on at nine.British, meaning the BBC.
- She calls every neighbour auntie.A courtesy title in many cultures.
- Aunty is common in Indian and African English.Used respectfully for older women.
Family word notes
- Great-aunt — your parent's aunt
- Aunt by marriage — your uncle's wife
- Auntie/aunty — both spellings are standard
- Courtesy aunt — an unrelated family friend
- Pronunciation — AHNT in southern England, ANT in much of America
A diminutive of *aunt*, from Old French *ante*, from Latin *amita*, a father's sister. The BBC nickname dates from the mid twentieth century.
Auntie or aunty?
Both are accepted. Auntie is more common in Britain, aunty widespread in India, Australia and much of Africa.
Why is the BBC called Auntie?
It began as a mild insult about the corporation's prim, cautious reputation, and became an affectionate nickname.