Aunty vs. Aunt — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 19, 2023
"Aunty" and "Aunt" both refer to the sister of one's parent or a close family friend. "Aunty" is an informal and affectionate term, while "Aunt" is more formal.
Difference Between Aunty and Aunt
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Aunty" is a colloquial term often used in casual contexts. "Aunt," on the other hand, is the standard term and is used in formal writing and official documents. Both terms refer to the same relationship, but the formality level distinguishes them.
In American English, "Aunty" is more commonly used in spoken language. "Aunt," by contrast, is universally accepted and is the more appropriate choice for formal or academic writing. Both terms can be used interchangeably depending on the situation or relationship dynamics.
Spelling can vary based on geography and culture. In the United States, "Aunt" is the more traditional spelling. "Aunty," while accepted, is seen as a less formal, more endearing term. In both cases, the words refer to the sister of one's parent or a close family friend considered to be in the role of an aunt.
Some people prefer "Aunty" for its warm, affectionate connotations. "Aunt," in contrast, is often viewed as more respectful and is more universally understood. Both words carry the same general meaning but can convey different emotional undertones.
Comparison Chart
Formality
Informal
Formal
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Usage
Spoken language
Both spoken and written
Cultural Variation
Less standard
Universally accepted
Emotional Undertone
Affectionate
Neutral/Respectful
Spelling Variants
Few (Auntie)
Standard (Aunt)
Compare with Definitions
Aunty
Aunty refers to a sister of one's parent.
My Aunty Jane is coming over.
Aunt
Aunt is the sister of one's parent.
My Aunt Emily is a doctor.
Aunty
Aunty is an informal term for aunt.
Is Aunty Lisa picking us up?
Aunt
Aunt can also refer to the wife of one's uncle.
Aunt Sarah is my uncle's wife.
Aunty
Aunty suggests a less formal relationship.
Aunty May is fun to hang out with.
Aunt
Aunt is a term used in both formal and casual settings.
Aunt Martha is listed on the family tree.
Aunty
Aunty can mean a close family friend in the role of an aunt.
Aunty Karen has known me since I was a baby.
Aunt
Aunt implies a legal or biological relationship.
Aunt Rose is my mother’s sister.
Aunty
Aunty is often used in casual conversation.
Aunty Sue always brings cookies.
Aunt
Aunt is the standard term used in writing.
Aunt Helen will be mentioned in the will.
Aunty
The sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle
Aunt
An aunt is a woman who is a sibling of a parent or married to a sibling of a parent. Aunts who are related by birth are second-degree relatives.
Aunt
The sister of one's father or mother.
Aunt
The wife of a sibling of one's mother or father.
Aunt
Used as a form of address for an older woman, especially by children.
Aunt
The sister or sister-in-law of one’s parent.
Aunt
The female cousin or cousin-in-law of one’s parent.
Aunt
(affectionate) A woman of an older generation than oneself, especially a friend of one's parents, by means of fictive kin.
Aunt
(obsolete) Any elderly woman.
Aunt
(obsolete) A procuress or bawd.
Aunt
The sister of one's father or mother; - correlative to nephew or niece. Also applied to an uncle's wife.
Aunt
An old woman; and old gossip.
Aunt
A bawd, or a prostitute.
Aunt
The sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle
Common Curiosities
Is Aunt universally accepted?
Yes, Aunt is universally accepted and understood.
Can Aunt be used in both formal and informal settings?
Yes, Aunt can be used in both formal and informal settings.
Is Aunty a formal term?
No, Aunty is considered an informal term.
Do Aunty and Aunt have the same meaning?
Essentially yes, they both refer to the sister of one's parent or a close family friend in that role.
Is Aunty American English?
Aunty is used in American English but is considered informal.
Can Aunt and Aunty be used interchangeably?
They can be, depending on the context and the relationship with the person.
Are there spelling variations for Aunty?
One common variation is Auntie.
Is it disrespectful to call someone Aunty?
Not usually, but it can depend on individual preferences.
Can Aunt refer to an in-law?
Yes, Aunt can also refer to the wife of one's uncle.
Can I use Aunty in official documents?
It's advisable to use Aunt in official documents for formality.
Which is more affectionate, Aunty or Aunt?
Aunty is generally considered more affectionate.
What is the plural of Aunt?
Aunts.
Is there an age restriction for using Aunty over Aunt?
No age restriction, but Aunty is often used by children or when referring to younger aunts.
Is Aunty used outside the United States?
Yes, Aunty is used in other English-speaking countries but its formality may vary.
What is the plural of Aunty?
Aunties.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
