a suffix forming nouns or adjectives, sometimes a diminutive of the base word and usually confined to informal and jocular use ( bitsy; footsie; halvsies ); adjectives formed with -sy may be ironic, implying that the quality in question is self-consciously assumed or feigned ( artsy; cutesy; folksy ). The combination of -s 3 and -y 1 or -y 2 in certain words ( antsy; gutsy ) should perhaps be considered further instances of this suffix.
[ perh. orig. two distinct suffixes, one diminutive (as in Betsy, popsy, tootsy ) and the other adjectival; sources of both are uncert. ]