# shorty

/ˈʃɔɹti/ (US) · /ʃˈɔːti/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/shorty
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

a casual or romantic way to talk about a woman or a girlfriend. It is also sometimes used to describe a person who is physically short.

For teachers: a slang term used to refer to an attractive woman, a girlfriend, or occasionally a younger person. Often carries a diminutive or affectionate tone depending on the social context.

## Examples

- He introduced his new shorty to the rest of the group.
- The lyrics often mention a shorty waiting back home, reflecting a common trope in contemporary urban music.

## Usage notes

- Informal and slang; usage varies significantly by region and subculture.

---

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.