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Gussie

Gussie

5 8.2
A friendly short name for Augusta or Augustus
  • proper noun
  • Informal
: Gussie
  • I'll be downstairs, Gussie.
  • Miss Gussie
  • Gussie said
  • Gussie's eyebrows

Examples

  • Through the window, I see Miss Gussie in her garden, tying up a tomato plant with string.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • When he was young, Augustus was often nicknamed Gussie by his friends.

  • Big Mary tired little Gussie out last night.

  • Mama and I got in one bed, and Miss Gussie got a whole one to herself.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • Who runs this place since the Duke and Gussie got sent up?

  • "It's almost a shame," said Miss Gussie, looking back at me.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • I had a small memory of Miss Gussie, my grandmother.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • Violet goes off to her play practice, and Miss Gussie goes outside to spray her tomatoes.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • "Let's not talk about leaving just yet," said Miss Gussie, putting her arm around my mama, hugging her real close.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • Sometimes I had slept over at Miss Gussie's, but I knew those days were over.

    Fiction book (1990)

Surface Forms

Gussie main

Etymology

Gussie is a friendly nickname from the longer names Augusta or Augustus. It comes from shortening the full name and adding the ending -ie to sound warm and familiar, just like Tom becomes Tommy, so Gussie is used as an affectionate short form.