wettie: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, colloquial
Quick answer
What does “wettie” mean?
A wetsuit, especially a short one used for surfing or swimming.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A wetsuit, especially a short one used for surfing or swimming.
Informal term for a wetsuit; can also refer to someone who is overly cautious or easily frightened (Australian/NZ slang).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, rarely used; 'wetsuit' is standard. In American English, almost exclusively a surfing term. The 'coward' sense is absent in both.
Connotations
Surfing/sports culture in US; regional informality in UK.
Frequency
Very low in general British/American English; higher in specific subcultures.
Grammar
How to Use “wettie” in a Sentence
wear a wettieget into [one's] wettieneed a wettie forVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Rare; only in surfing/beach contexts.
Technical
Not used in formal technical contexts; 'wetsuit' is preferred.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “wettie”
- Using 'wettie' in formal writing.
- Assuming it's common in all English varieties.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is informal and primarily used within surfing communities and in Australian/NZ slang.
No, it is too informal. Use 'wetsuit' instead.
There is no difference in meaning; 'wettie' is just a colloquial, shorter form of 'wetsuit'.
In Australian and New Zealand slang, it can mean a coward or someone who is easily scared.
A wetsuit, especially a short one used for surfing or swimming.
Wettie is usually informal, colloquial in register.
Wettie: in British English it is pronounced /ˈwɛti/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈwɛti/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Don't be such a wettie! (Aus/NZ: coward)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'WET' + 'TIE' – you tie yourself into a wet suit.
Conceptual Metaphor
CLOTHING FOR PROTECTION (from cold water)
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'wettie' most appropriately used?