sis: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Informal, colloquial, familiar.
Quick answer
What does “sis” mean?
Informal and affectionate term for a sister.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Informal and affectionate term for a sister.
Can refer to a close female friend (akin to 'sister'), used as a term of address or reference. In some contexts (esp. African American Vernacular English/AAVE), can be a general term of address for a woman.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is broadly similar. The term is common in both varieties. The AAVE-derived usage as a general address term ('Hey, sis') is more prevalent and influential in American English.
Connotations
UK: Strongly familial or affectionate between close friends. US: Familial, affectionate, plus the added layer of contemporary, sometimes trendy, address (influenced by pop culture and social media).
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English due to the influence of AAVE and its adoption in wider popular culture.
Grammar
How to Use “sis” in a Sentence
[Possessive] + sis (e.g., my sis)[Vocative] + sis (e.g., Wait up, sis!)[Determiner] + adjective + sis (e.g., that annoying sis of mine)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Highly inappropriate except in very rare, jocular contexts between actual siblings who work together.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Common in spoken language among family and close friends. Increasingly used in online/social media communication.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sis”
- Using 'sis' in formal writing.
- Using 'sis' to address a woman significantly older than you, which can seem disrespectful.
- Overusing it outside established relationships, which can seem insincere or trendy.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, its primary meaning is 'sister', but it is commonly extended to very close female friends as a term of endearment and solidarity.
Yes, men can use it to refer to their female siblings or, less commonly, very close female friends. It is also used within LGBTQ+ communities in specific ways.
No, 'sis' is strictly informal and colloquial. It should not be used in academic, business, or other formal writing.
'Sister' is the standard, neutral term. 'Sis' is the informal, shortened, often more affectionate version. 'Sis' also has the extended, non-familial usage that 'sister' has to a lesser degree (e.g., 'sister from another mister').
Informal and affectionate term for a sister.
Sis: in British English it is pronounced /sɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /sɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “sis from another miss”
- “sis, please! (expression of disbelief or dismissal)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the SIS in 'sister' – it's just the first part! Short and sweet, like a nickname should be.
Conceptual Metaphor
KINSHIP IS CLOSENESS (using a family term for a non-family member to express emotional proximity).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'sis' be LEAST appropriate?