- The speaker used this word as a much shorter and easier alternative to refer to the class entitled Differential Equations at Rice University. It is a clipping in which only the first syllable of the first root is kept. Also, a "y" is appended to the end of the clipping, possibly to inform the listener that there is more to the root or to differentiate between the already established clipping "diff" of difference. Since the neologism maintains its part of speech as a noun, the -y does not serve the usual purpose of zero-deriving the word to become an adjective. Such as in stealth > stealthy or breath > breathy.
diffy
noun; clipping
the Differential Equations class and subject material
Etymology : From the roots Differential and Equations, which is just the title of the class. However, during clipping, the word Equations is completely dropped. Finally the suffix -y was added, but not to zero-derive the word to an adjective.
Source : "Diffy is so boring." Suitemate describing his interest in the class. (11/22)
Last modified: 3 December 2008