# Louie

/ɫuˈi/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/louie
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. a nickname

noun · CEFR B1 · Informal

a short or friendly name for someone called Louis, Louise, or Louisa.

For teachers: a diminutive form of the masculine given name Louis or the feminine names Louise and Louisa.

- Everyone in the family calls him Louie instead of his full name.
- Although his legal name was Louis, he introduced himself as Louie to create a more approachable and casual impression with his new colleagues.

### 2. military rank

noun · CEFR C2 · American English · Slang

a slang word for a lieutenant in the army or air force.

For teachers: a colloquial term for a lieutenant, often specified as a 'second louie' or 'first louie' depending on the exact grade.

- The new second louie arrived at the base straight from training.
- The seasoned sergeants often shared a private joke whenever a fresh second louie attempted to command the veteran squad without prior field experience.

Usage: Often spelled 'looey' in formal military history contexts, though 'louie' is common in casual writing.

## Examples

- He handed over a few louies to pay for the meal.
- The old sailor claimed he had a chest full of louies buried somewhere on the coast.
- In the historical novel, the protagonist risks his life for a handful of louies, illustrating the desperate economic conditions of the era's lower classes.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.