sunnies: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Medium (high in Aus/NZ informal contexts, low elsewhere)Informal, colloquial
Quick answer
What does “sunnies” mean?
Sunglasses (informal, chiefly Australian and New Zealand English).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Sunglasses (informal, chiefly Australian and New Zealand English).
A casual, affectionate term for sunglasses, implying a relaxed, sunny context. Can sometimes refer specifically to fashionable or non-prescription sunglasses.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is understood but rarely used natively in the UK or US. In the UK, 'sunglasses' or 'shades' are standard informal terms. In the US, 'shades' or 'sunglasses' are used. 'Sunnies' is strongly marked as Australian/NZ English.
Connotations
In Aus/NZ: friendly, casual, associated with beach culture and outdoor lifestyle. In UK/US: may sound deliberately adopting an Australian vibe or slightly quirky.
Frequency
Very frequent in Australian and New Zealand spoken English. Rare in British or American English except in contexts deliberately evoking Australiana.
Grammar
How to Use “sunnies” in a Sentence
[Subject] + put on/wear/forget + [Possessive] + sunnies[Subject] + lost + [Possessive] + sunnies[Subject] + bought + a pair of + sunniesVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Common in Aus/NZ for casual reference to sunglasses. 'Grab your sunnies, it's bright out.'
Technical
Not used. Optometry/ophthalmology uses 'sunglasses' or 'protective eyewear'.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sunnies”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sunnies”
- Using it as a singular noun ('a sunnie').
- Using it in formal writing.
- Overusing it outside Australian/NZ contexts where it sounds affected.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is not a standard term in American English. Americans use 'sunglasses' or, informally, 'shades'.
No, it is strictly informal and colloquial. Use 'sunglasses' in any formal or professional context.
It is treated as a plural noun, similar to 'glasses' or 'trousers'. You say 'my sunnies are' and 'a pair of sunnies'.
'Sunnies' is specifically Australian/NZ and has a casual, affectionate tone. 'Shades' is a common informal term in both the US and UK, with a slightly cooler, more generic connotation.
Sunglasses (informal, chiefly Australian and New Zealand English).
Sunnies: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsʌniz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsʌniz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a sunny day in Sydney; you need your 'sunnies'.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROTECTION IS A CASUAL FRIEND (the '-ies' suffix personifies the object).
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is 'sunnies' a common, native informal term?