fastie: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low/Very InformalInformal, colloquial, playful, regional (especially UK/Ireland/Australia), slang.
Quick answer
What does “fastie” mean?
A dishonest, deceptive, or cunning trick or ploy, often aimed at gaining an unfair advantage.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A dishonest, deceptive, or cunning trick or ploy, often aimed at gaining an unfair advantage.
An instance of acting deceptively or breaking a rule in a clever, sly, or slightly mischievous manner. Often implies a small-scale, clever deceit rather than serious fraud. Can be used affectionately in some contexts to describe a harmless trick.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Far more common in UK, Irish, Australian, and New Zealand English. Rare in mainstream American English, where 'trick', 'scam', 'fast one' are preferred.
Connotations
In British contexts, it can be used from mildly disapproving to affectionate (e.g., 'you little fastie!'). In American contexts, if used, it might sound like a borrowing or be misunderstood.
Frequency
High frequency in certain UK/Irish colloquial registers; very low to negligible in general American usage.
Grammar
How to Use “fastie” in a Sentence
[Subject] pull/pulled a fastie on [Recipient]Don't you try any of your fasties!Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “fastie” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He tried to fastie his way out of paying the bill. (rare, informal derivation)
American English
- (Not used as a verb)
adverb
British English
- (Not used as an adverb)
American English
- (Not used as an adverb)
adjective
British English
- That was a fastie move, pretending your phone died. (rare, informal derivation)
American English
- (Not used as an adjective)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used in formal business contexts. Might appear informally to describe a sly contractual move or a clever but questionable negotiation tactic.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Primary domain. Used among friends, in storytelling, or when describing minor deceit in sports, games, or social situations.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “fastie”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Assuming it's a standard word in American English.
- Spelling it as 'fasty'.
- Using it without the common verb 'pull' (e.g., 'He did a fastie' is less idiomatic than 'He pulled a fastie').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it is informal, colloquial slang, primarily used in UK, Irish, and Australian English. It is not used in formal registers.
'Pull a fast one' is the standard, more widespread idiom. 'Fastie' is a colloquial, nominalised slang version of that phrase, meaning essentially the same thing but with a more playful or regional flavour.
Rarely. Its core meaning is negative (deception). However, in very specific, affectionate contexts among friends or regarding harmless mischief, it can be used with a tone of amused admiration for cleverness (e.g., 'Ah, you little fastie!').
The most common and idiomatic structure is: Subject + [pull/pulled/tried to pull] + 'a fastie' + (optional 'on' + person). Example: 'She suspected he was trying to pull a fastie on her.'
A dishonest, deceptive, or cunning trick or ploy, often aimed at gaining an unfair advantage.
Fastie is usually informal, colloquial, playful, regional (especially uk/ireland/australia), slang. in register.
Fastie: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfɑːsti/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfæsti/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “pull a fast one (the more common idiom from which 'fastie' is derived)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a FAST CHEETAH being sneaky and tricky to catch its prey. A 'fastie' is a fast, sneaky trick.
Conceptual Metaphor
DECEPTION IS A QUICK PHYSICAL MANOEUVRE (pulling, executing).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'fastie' MOST likely to be used appropriately?