stubby

Stubby is an informal English adjective meaning short and thick in form. It is used to describe objects, body parts, or other things that are compact or stocky. Examples include stubby fingers, a stubby nozzle, or a stubby plant. The word derives from stub, meaning a short piece left after removal, with the adjectival suffix -y, and has been in use since the 19th century in various dialects.

In Australian English, stubby also functions as a noun for a short, stout beer bottle. A typical stubby holds about 375 milliliters and is made of brown glass to protect contents from light. The term is often used interchangeably with 'stubbie' and has given rise to related terms such as a stubby holder, a foam or fabric sleeve used to insulate the bottle. Stubbies are associated with casual drinking culture and are commonly seen in pubs, households, and sporting events in Australia and New Zealand.

The word can appear in more playful or affectionate usage to describe people or things with a stocky shape, though as a descriptor it can be perceived as imprecise or colloquial. When precision is needed, more specific descriptors such as 'short and stout' or 'stocky' may be preferred.