- Intended as an inoffensive term to refer to someone of mixed blood, whereas other terms of similar meanings may carry a more negative connotation.
halfie 2
noun; derivation
Someone of mixed racial or ethnic background, esp. having parents of two different races.
Etymology : Derived from 'half', from Old English 'healf' of the same meaning, and the diminutive suffix '-ie', a variant of Old English '-y'. Perhaps a clipping of 'half-blooded', with the diminutive serving to make the term more harmless.
Source : 'Obama's probably my favorite halfie in the media spotlight.' - Friend, Nov. 30, 2008
Last modified: 3 December 2008