lappie

Lappie is informal slang for a laptop, a portable personal computer used for computing tasks away from a fixed desk. The term is especially common in Australian and New Zealand English, though it is understood by many English speakers elsewhere.

Etymology and variants: The form derives from lap plus the diminutive suffix -ie. Variants include lappy and, less commonly, lappie; regional spellings vary. Lappie typically signals casual speech, whereas laptop remains the neutral term.

Usage: Lappie appears in everyday conversation, social media, and informal writing. Examples include "I left my lappie charging" or "My lappie is running slow." It generally refers to the device itself rather than a specific model.

Context and culture: The term emerged alongside the rise of portable computers in the late 20th century and persists as a light, friendly register in informal settings. In formal contexts or technical writing, laptop is preferred. Some speakers distinguish lappie as personal or intimate, while others use it interchangeably with lappy.

See also: Laptop.