beanie
UK[ˈbiːni]US[ˈbiːni]
n
a small, close-fitting hat, often made of wool and sometimes having a pom-pom on top.
Etymology
the term "beanie" originates from early 20th century american slang, where "bean" was a colloquial term for the head. the addition of the diminutive suffix "-ie" created a word for a small hat that fits closely on the head. its association with school and college freshmen, who were once required to wear such hats, further cemented its place in the lexicon. the modern beanie, a simple knitted cap, retains this core idea of a close-fitting head covering.
Analysis
the word "beanie" is a simplex noun. it is derived from the slang term "bean," meaning "head," plus the diminutive suffix "-ie."
Examples
she pulled her woolen beanie down over her ears to keep warm.
the baseball team wore matching beanies with their logo on the front.
he lost his favorite beanie, a blue one with a little pom-pom.