Ghosties

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Spirits or phantoms typically associated with the supernatural or haunting appearances
2. often described in folklore as the souls of the deceased
3. can be depicted in various cultures as manifestations of fear or intrigue

Etymology: "Ghosties" is the plural of "ghostie," a diminutive formed by adding the suffix "-ie" to "ghost." That suffix, common in Scots and northern English dialect, turns a noun into a small, affectionate or childlike form, so "ghostie" carries the sense of a little ghost, and the plural follows the usual pattern of adding -s. The base word "ghost" is the older and more significant part of the story. It descends from Old English "gast," meaning spirit or breath, and so the word's roots lie in the idea of a life-giving breath or soul rather than in a frightening apparition. The "-ie" ending gives the plural a playful, nursery-like tone, which is why it is often used for the spirits of the dead in a gentle, familiar way.