flatties: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, colloquial
Quick answer
What does “flatties” mean?
Informal term for shoes with flat heels, as opposed to high heels.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Informal term for shoes with flat heels, as opposed to high heels.
1. An informal term for flat shoes, especially ballet pumps or loafers, worn primarily by women. 2. (British, informal, obsolete) A colloquial term for the police (singular 'flattie'). 3. (Australian/British slang) Flatmates; people who share a flat/apartment.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, the term can more readily refer to flatmates (though 'flatmates' is more common). The shoe meaning is understood in both. The dated slang for police was primarily British. In the US, the term is less common and almost exclusively refers to shoes.
Connotations
UK: Informal, can imply practical comfort or a casual style. US: Very informal, used primarily in fashion contexts.
Frequency
More frequent in UK English than US English. In the US, 'flats' is the standard term; 'flatties' has a slightly quaint or very informal tone.
Grammar
How to Use “flatties” in a Sentence
I need to buy a new pair of flatties.She prefers flatties to heels.The flatties (flatmates) are out.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used except in very informal conversations about attire (e.g., 'I wore my flatties to work today').
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Used in informal talk about fashion, clothing, comfort, and shared living.
Technical
Not used in any technical field.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “flatties”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “flatties”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “flatties”
- Using 'flatties' in formal writing.
- Using it as a singular noun (e.g., 'a flattie') – it is almost always plural when referring to shoes.
- Assuming it's understood globally; it's regionally marked informal speech.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is almost exclusively a plural noun (like 'shoes' or 'trousers'). You would say 'a pair of flatties'.
While the term is strongly associated with women's footwear, the shoes themselves (e.g., loafers, slip-ons) are unisex. However, a man would be very unlikely to use the word 'flatties' to describe his own shoes; he would say 'loafers' or 'trainers'.
Meaning is identical. 'Flatties' is more informal, colloquial, and slightly more common in British English than American.
It can be dated British slang for police officers (singular 'flattie') or, in the UK/Australia, a very informal shortening of 'flatmates'.
Informal term for shoes with flat heels, as opposed to high heels.
Flatties is usually informal, colloquial in register.
Flatties: in British English it is pronounced /ˈflæt.iz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈflæt̬.iz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None directly associated. Possible: 'Give your feet a break in some flatties.']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'flatties' = 'flat' + 'ies' (like 'trainers' or 'wellies') – things that are flat for your feet.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMFORT IS FLATNESS (for footwear).
Practice
Quiz
In which regional variety is 'flatties' LEAST likely to be used?