tonnies: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareInformal
Quick answer
What does “tonnies” mean?
The plural form of 'tony', an informal adjective meaning stylish, expensive, or associated with high social status.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The plural form of 'tony', an informal adjective meaning stylish, expensive, or associated with high social status.
May also be a rarely used, informal plural noun referring to stylish or upscale items, places, or people, or a proper noun (capitalized 'Tonnies').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The base word 'tony' is used in both varieties but is slightly more common in American English, often associated with aspirational wealth. In British English, synonyms like 'posh' or 'swanky' might be preferred.
Connotations
Both: Slightly dated (mid-20th century), informal, sometimes ironic or slightly mocking of pretentiousness.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency for the plural form 'tonnies' in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “tonnies” in a Sentence
[be] + tonnies + noun (plural)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tonnies” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [No verb form]
American English
- [No verb form]
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverb form]
American English
- [No standard adverb form]
adjective
British English
- All the new wine bars in Shoreditch are terribly tonnies these days.
- We avoid those tonnies boutiques on the high street.
American English
- The tonnies suburbs on the north side are where all the executives live.
- They only go to tonnies beach clubs in the Hamptons.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used. Might appear in informal marketing copy targeting affluent consumers.
Academic
Not used in formal academic writing.
Everyday
Extremely rare in spoken language. If used, it's in informal conversation describing plural upscale things.
Technical
Not applicable.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “tonnies”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “tonnies”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tonnies”
- Using 'tonnies' as a singular noun. 'It's a tonnies restaurant' is incorrect; it should be 'It's a tony restaurant' or 'They are tonnies restaurants.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is extremely rare. The singular adjective 'tony' is uncommon but understood; its plural form 'tonnies' is almost never used.
This would be highly unconventional and is not standard usage. It might be understood in a playful or jargonistic context, but learners should avoid it.
'Tony' comes from the given name Anthony, associated with high society (e.g., 'the ton', an old term for fashionable society). It emerged in the early 20th century.
For English learners, it's a word to recognize passively. Actively using it is not recommended due to its rarity and potential to sound unnatural or dated.
The plural form of 'tony', an informal adjective meaning stylish, expensive, or associated with high social status.
Tonnies is usually informal in register.
Tonnies: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtəʊ.niz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtoʊ.niz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No specific idioms for the plural form]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'TONY places need TONNIES (two knees?) to kneel in—they're so expensive!'
Conceptual Metaphor
WEALTH/STATUS IS HEIGHT ('high-end', 'upscale')
Practice
Quiz
What is the most likely meaning of 'tonnies' in the sentence: 'The tonnies new developments contrasted sharply with the older parts of the town.'?