kindy

English

Etymology

From kindergarten +‎ -y (“diminutive suffix”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈkɪndi/

• Audio (General Australian):

  (file)

• Rhymes: -ɪndi

Noun

kindy (countable and uncountable, plural kindies)

1. (Australia, New Zealand, informal) diminutive of kindergarten.
   • 1996 July 2, John Holley, “Bulk Funding”, in nz.politics (Usenet):

     This means all public kindies in NZ "charge" fees of $1-$2/session just to get by.

   • 1999 May 24, Nelly, “All is not well at Kindy.”, in nz.general (Usenet):

     We got to kindy today to find that some 'Hoons' had got into the grounds and slashed the wet weather/wind awnings and cut them in half with a knife.

   • 2001 July 22, Lan Chiao, “HELP: MOE Intervention in the Education of My Child”, in soc.culture.singapore (Usenet):

     But you are draining the potential killings the PAP foundation kindies may have made. If you started the ball rolling, who else will make a beeline for the PAP kindies. Don't ever consider those privately-run kindies a suitable alternative. They are money-minded outfits that might do more harm than the PAP kindies.

   • 2002 July 12, Lazza, “School terms.”, in nz.general (Usenet):

     Kids can now start kindy at 2.

   • 2006 February 2, A&G&K&H, “1st day of kindy”, in aus.family (Usenet):

     K started kindergarten this morning. Wonderful teachers, wonderful Kindy / Preschool, and I'm so glad she's going but at the same time I'm so sad she's growing up so fast :(

Synonyms

• (kindergarten): kindergarten, nursery school, preschool

Anagrams

• dinky