heinie: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowVery Informal / Slang
Quick answer
What does “heinie” mean?
A slang term for the buttocks.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A slang term for the buttocks.
As a slang term, it can be used humorously or euphemistically to refer to the backside. In historical military slang (chiefly WWII), it also served as a derogatory term for a German soldier.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both meanings are primarily American. The term is very rare in British English for either sense. British English would use alternatives like 'bum' or 'bottom' for the body part, and historical terms like 'Jerry' or 'Kraut' for a German soldier.
Connotations
In American English, the 'buttocks' meaning is non-offensive but juvenile; the 'soldier' meaning is dated and carries negative historical weight.
Frequency
Infrequent in contemporary use for either meaning in both dialects, but significantly more recognized in American English.
Grammar
How to Use “heinie” in a Sentence
Pronoun (my/your/their) + heinieVerb (fall on/move) + (pronoun) + heinieVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Never appropriate.
Academic
Never appropriate.
Everyday
Only in very casual, familiar, or humorous settings among peers or with children.
Technical
Not applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “heinie”
- Using it in formal or mixed company.
- Misspelling as 'hiney', 'heiny', or 'hiney' (all are common variant spellings but 'heinie' is standard for the soldier sense).
- Assuming it is universally understood outside North America.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not typically. As a term for buttocks, it's considered mild and often humorous. However, its historical use as a term for a German soldier is derogatory and outdated, so context is crucial.
They are variant spellings of the same slang word for 'buttocks'. 'Heinie' is the more common spelling, especially for the historical military term. 'Hiney' is an alternative phonetic spelling.
It is not a standard term in these dialects and would likely cause confusion. It is strongly associated with American English. Use local equivalents like 'bum' (UK) instead.
No. 'Heinie' is exclusively a noun in standard usage. You cannot 'heinie' something (verb) or have a 'heinie' problem (adjective).
A slang term for the buttocks.
Heinie is usually very informal / slang in register.
Heinie: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhaɪni/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhaɪni/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A pain in the heinie (a nuisance)”
- “Move your heinie! (hurry up)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'Heinie' rhyming with 'tiny' and 'hiney' – a tiny, funny word for your behind.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BODY IS A CONTAINER / THE BUTTOCKS ARE A BASE (e.g., 'Sit your heinie down').
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'heinie' be LEAST appropriate?