dunny

== English == === Etymology 1 === From dun (“dusky brown”) +‎ -y (“forming adjectives of lesser degree”). ==== Pronunciation ==== IPA(key): /ˈdʌni/ Rhymes: -ʌni ==== Adjective ==== dunny (comparative dunnier, superlative dunniest) Somewhat dun, dusky brownish. === Etymology 2 === Probably from dun (“to ring”) +‎ -y (“forming adjectives of lesser degree”). ==== Adjective ==== dunny (comparative dunnier, superlative dunniest) (UK dialect) Somewhat deaf, hard of hearing. (UK dialect, derogatory, euphemistic) Slow to answer: stupid, unintelligent. a. 1791, F. Grose, Olio, p. 105: What the devil are you dunny? won't you give me no answer? ===== Derived terms ===== dunnily dunniness ==== Noun ==== dunny (plural dunnies) (UK dialect, derogatory euphemistic, obsolete) A dummy, an unintelligent person. 1709, British Apollo, Vol. II, No. 29, p. 3: Should a School-boy do so, he'd be whip'd for a Dunny. === Etymology 3 === A clipped form of English cant dunnakin (“outhouse”) + -y (suffix forming affectionate diminutives). Dunnakin, dunnekin, etc. are of uncertain etymology, but probably from some form of English cant danna (“dung”) + ken (“house”, pejorative slang). The Scottish and North English senses may derive from Etymology 4 below, either under influence from English cant or as its original source. ==== Noun ==== dunny (plural dunnies) (UK slang, obsolete) Alternative form of danna: shit. [From 1859.] (Australia and New Zealand slang, also dated Scotland and Northern England) An outhouse: an outbuilding used as a lavatory. [From 1933.] (Australia and New Zealand slang) Any other place or fixture used for urination and defecation: a latrine; a lavatory; a toilet. (Scotland, Northern England, slang, dated) A passageway, particularly those connecting an outhouse to the main building. ===== Alternative forms ===== danna, dunnee (obsolete) ===== Synonyms ===== (outhouse): See Thesaurus:bathroom (toilet): See Thesaurus:toilet ===== Derived terms ===== === Etymology 4 === A clipped form of English dungeon + -y (“forming affectionate diminutives”). ==== Noun ==== dunny (plural dunnies) (Scotland, Northern England, slang, dated) A cellar, basement, or underground passage. === References ===