-sy

Forming nouns and adjectives.

Origin uncertain, perhaps a combination of ‑s¹ and ‑y².

This ending is added to proper names to provide an affectionate version: Betsy, Patsy, Topsy. It can also be added to a variety of nouns, such as antsy, ballsy, gutsy, popsy, footsie, and tootsy. Some adjectives suggest smallness: eensy (and eensy-weensy), itsy-bitsy, teensy (and teensy-weensy). Other adjectives have a dismissive or contemptuous sense: artsy-fartsy, bitsy, booksy, cutesy, folksy, mumsy, newsy, rootsy. Occasionally, the spelling is ‑zy, as in ditzy.