Wee vs. Pee — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on April 25, 2024
Wee refers to something very small or to urinate, especially in informal British English, while pee is a colloquial term for urine or the act of urination.
Difference Between Wee and Pee
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Key Differences
Wee, in one of its uses in British English, is a synonym for small or tiny, suggesting something diminutive in size. Whereas, pee specifically refers to urine or the act of urinating, commonly used in informal American English.
The term wee is also used colloquially in British English to refer to the act of urination, similar to how pee is used in the U.S. On the other hand, pee never refers to something small in size; it always relates to urination.
Children are often taught to use the word wee when discussing needing to urinate, as it can sound gentler and less crude. On the other hand, pee, while still informal, is more blunt and is universally understood across English-speaking regions.
In expressions, "wee" can be part of phrases like "wee hours" meaning very early in the morning, which has nothing to do with urination. Conversely, pee does not extend into such metaphorical usage and remains firmly within the context of bodily functions.
When it comes to literature and formal writings, wee is more likely to appear in Scottish or British contexts outside of its slang use, whereas pee is generally considered too casual and often avoided in formal writing.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Meaning
Very small (informal British English)
Urinate (informal)
Secondary Meaning
Urinate (informal British English)
Urine (noun)
Usage Context
More common in UK
More common in US
Formality
Informal, child-friendly
Informal
Extended Expressions
Used in phrases like "wee hours"
No extended metaphorical uses
Compare with Definitions
Wee
Slight or trivial.
There's just a wee problem we need to fix.
Pee
To relieve oneself.
She needed to pee after the long journey.
Wee
(British informal) To urinate.
The child said he needed a wee.
Pee
Urinate.
The toddler is learning how to pee on his own.
Wee
Minute or very early.
He woke up in the wee hours of the morning.
Pee
Act of urination.
He went for a quick pee before the movie started.
Wee
(Scottish) Little; very small.
A wee bit of sugar is all you need.
Pee
Informally discuss urination.
Kids often talk about needing to pee during class.
Wee
Little
The lyrics are a wee bit too sweet and sentimental
When I was just a wee bairn
Pee
The letter p.
Wee
Urine
There was wee all over the floor
Pee
Urine.
Wee
Urinate.
Pee
An act of urination.
Wee
Very small; tiny.
Pee
To urinate.
Wee
A short time; a little bit.
Pee
To urinate in (one's clothes or one's bed).
Wee
Urine.
Pee
Urine.
Wee
To urinate.
Pee
An act of urination.
He was dying for a pee.
Wee
Small, little.
You looked a little cold, so I lit a wee fire.
Pee
To urinate.
The schoolboy called out to his friend while he was peeing in the urinal.
The delivery driver took a minute to pee in the woods between houses.
Wee
A short time or short distance.
Pee
(reflexive) To urinate on oneself.
Wee
Urine.
Pee
To drizzle.
It's peeing with rain.
Wee
An act of urination.
I need to have a wee
Pee
See 1st Pea.
Wee
To urinate.
I need to wee! I can't hold it any longer!
Pee
Bill of an anchor. See Peak, 3 (c).
Wee
Form of obsolete emphatic
Pee
Urine.
Wee
A little; a bit, as of space, time, or distance.
Pee
The act of urinating; - used in the informal take a pee, meaning, to urinate.
Wee
Very small; little.
A little wee face, with a little yellow beard.
Pee
To urinate.
Wee
A short time;
Bide a wee
Pee
Liquid excretory product;
There was blood in his urine
The child had to make water
Wee
Eliminate urine;
Again, the cat had made on the expensive rug
Pee
Informal terms for urination;
He took a pee
Wee
(used informally) very small;
A wee tot
Pee
Eliminate urine;
Again, the cat had made on the expensive rug
Wee
Very early;
The wee hours of the morning
Common Curiosities
Do "wee" and "pee" have different connotations in children's language development?
Yes, "wee" is often perceived as more gentle and is commonly used in the UK, whereas "pee" is straightforward and widely understood in both the US and UK.
What are polite alternatives to "pee"?
Polite alternatives include "use the restroom," "go to the bathroom," or simply "urinate."
Are there medical terms that are equivalent to "pee"?
In medical contexts, "urinate" or "urination" are the formal terms equivalent to "pee."
Can "wee" be used in formal contexts?
While "wee" can appear in formal contexts when used to mean small, particularly in British and Scottish English, its use meaning to urinate is best reserved for informal contexts.
Which term is older, "wee" or "pee"?
"Wee" is older, with its origins in Old English, while "pee" is a relatively modern term, derived from the initial letter of "piss."
Can "wee" be used as a verb in American English?
In American English, "wee" used as a verb meaning to urinate is very rare and may not be widely understood.
Is "wee" acceptable in American children's literature?
"Wee" may appear in American children's literature but usually in the context of size, not urination. Its use meaning to urinate would be unusual and potentially confusing.
How do different English-speaking cultures teach children about these terms?
In the UK, "wee" is commonly taught as the polite term for urination. In contrast, in the US, "pee" is more commonly taught due to its straightforwardness.
What is the etymology of "wee"?
"Wee" comes from the Old English word "wēg," which means small or little, primarily used in Scottish and Northern English dialects.
Is "pee" considered vulgar?
"Pee" is informal but not generally considered vulgar; it's commonly used in casual conversation and is child-friendly.
How do non-native English speakers learn the difference between "wee" and "pee"?
Non-native speakers typically learn these differences through language instruction that covers colloquial and informal expressions, often highlighted in the context of regional usage.
What advice would you give to someone writing a book for a UK audience regarding these terms?
For a UK audience, using "wee" when referring to urination can resonate well, especially in children's books, while keeping in mind that "pee" might be more universally understood for a global English-speaking audience.
What are humorous uses of "wee" and "pee"?
"Wee" can be part of playful language regarding size, like "wee little one," while "pee" might be used in humorous contexts related to urgency or relief.
How do "wee" and "pee" appear in advertising?
In advertising, especially in products related to children or bathroom use, these terms are chosen based on the target audience's familiarity and comfort with the term.
Are there idiomatic expressions involving "pee"?
Yes, expressions like "pee your pants" (from laughing or fright) are common in American English.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited 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.
