commie
UK[ˈkɒmi]US[ˈkɑːmi]
n
An informal, often derogatory term for a communist or a person who supports communist ideas.
Etymology
The term "commie" is a 20th-century English slang formation, originating as a clipped and diminutive form of the word "communist." The suffix "-ie" (or "-y") is a common English pattern for creating informal, often familiar or derogatory, nicknames (e.g., "Aussie," "rookie"). While "communist" itself has a complex etymology from Latin communis meaning "common, public, general," the slang "commie" sheds that historical depth. Its formation follows a purely phonological and social logic of abbreviation and pejoration, emerging prominently during the Cold War period as a term of disparagement in anti-communist rhetoric.
Analysis
The word is a clipped form (hypocorism) derived from the full word "communist." It is not productively built from independent morphemes in its shortened form.
Examples
The propaganda poster warned against the dangers of the commie threat.
He was unfairly labeled a commie for advocating workers' rights.
The term is now considered a dated and offensive slur in most political discourse.