hiney: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, colloquial, childish, humorous
Quick answer
What does “hiney” mean?
An informal, often childish or euphemistic term for the human buttocks.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An informal, often childish or euphemistic term for the human buttocks.
Occasionally used humorously or affectionately to refer to a person's rear end. Implies a non-serious, non-vulgar tone.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Much more common in American English. While understood in British English, it is rarely used and may sound distinctly American.
Connotations
In AmE, it carries a connotation of folksy or family-friendly speech. In BrE, if used, it might be perceived as an Americanism.
Frequency
Common in certain registers of AmE (e.g., parents speaking to young children). Very low frequency in BrE, where 'bum' or 'bottom' serve similar functions.
Grammar
How to Use “hiney” in a Sentence
[Verb] + [Possessive] + hiney (e.g., wipe your hiney)[Preposition] + [Determiner] + hiney (e.g., on your hiney)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Never used.
Academic
Never used.
Everyday
Used occasionally in informal, familial, or humorous contexts, primarily AmE.
Technical
Never used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hiney”
- Using it in any formal or professional context.
- Misspelling as 'heiny' or 'hiny'.
- Assuming it is common or neutral vocabulary outside specific informal AmE contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is not offensive. It is a mild, informal euphemism, often considered childish or humorous. It is far less vulgar than synonyms like 'ass'.
You will be understood, but it will sound distinctly American. Native British speakers typically use 'bum' or 'bottom' in equivalent informal/childish contexts.
'Butt' is a standard, common informal term. 'Hiney' is softer, more euphemistic, and implies a deliberate choice to avoid even the mild bluntness of 'butt'. It's often used with or by young children.
It is an alteration of the word 'hind end' or 'hindquarters', with the '-ey' suffix making it sound diminutive and childish.
An informal, often childish or euphemistic term for the human buttocks.
Hiney is usually informal, colloquial, childish, humorous in register.
Hiney: 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
- “Get your hiney over here! (informal command to come quickly)”
- “Get off your hiney! (stop being lazy)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a child saying 'Hi, knee!' but pointing to their bottom instead. The silly sound helps remember its childish nature.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BODY IS AN OBJECT (to be cleaned, protected, or moved).
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following situations would using the word 'hiney' be MOST appropriate?