What does tushy mean?
Tushy is chiefly an informal noun meaning the buttocks, particularly when they are plump or noticeable. It can also be used as an adjective to describe a large, fleshy, or prominent backside. The word is most often heard in North American English, though it is also used in Britain, and it commonly has a playful, teasing, or mildly vulgar tone. In casual speech, “tushy” may describe a comic character, an exaggerated cartoon figure, or a person’s build without carrying the severity of a more formal term. It is usually unsuitable for formal writing, business conversation, or respectful discussion of someone’s body. The related adjective forms are comparative “tushier” and superlative “tushiest,” while the regular plural of the noun is “tushies.” Although its sound may seem old-fashioned, tushy remains a vivid and memorable word for a conspicuous or substantial backside.
The buttocks, especially when they are plump or prominent.
"The children snickered and called him 'tushy.'"
Informal and commonly humorous, teasing, or mildly vulgar.
Having a large, fleshy, or prominent backside.
"The cartoonist drew a tushy character with exaggerated proportions."
Informal and often used in comic or exaggerated contexts.
The regular plural is uncommon because the noun is mainly informal and often appears in singular constructions.
"The children called the cartoon characters 'tushies.'"
Tushy has a comically old-fashioned sound, yet it is still the word for a backside that refuses to be boring.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of tushy
Tushy is a modern English formation based on tush, an older word for the tail or posterior, with the suffix -y. The ultimate origin of tush is uncertain, so it should not confidently be assigned to a specific Germanic or Latin source. The word developed in both noun and adjective uses, with the adjective meaning plump or fleshy and the noun referring to the buttocks.
Related word forms
How tushy is actually used
Tushy is informal. It can be affectionate or teasing, but may sound childish, sexually suggestive, or mildly vulgar depending on context and speaker.
Easily confused with tushy
Tush is a plainer, more old-fashioned term for the buttock or posterior, while tushy is a playful derivative that usually suggests a plump or prominent backside.