ContextWord · Ages 13-25 · In use
shawty
A girlfriend, crush or attractive young woman. Also a general friendly name.
That's my shawty, back off.
For parents and educators
Affectionate between couples or friends. Shouted at strangers, it works like a catcall.
Where it came from
From African American English, a form of shorty, spread through hip-hop since the 1990s.
Also heard as
shorty, shawty bae