Hoodie or Hoody? Choosing the Right Spelling

When it comes to casual fashion, few items are as loved as the “hoody or hoodie.” This cosy garment with a hood has become a staple in many wardrobes, perfect for relaxed days and comfy outfits. While both “hoody” and “hoodie” refer to the same piece of clothing, people often debate which spelling is better.

What is a “Hoodie” or “Hoody”?

A “hoodie” or “hoody” refers to a cozy sweatshirt with a hood that covers your head and neck. It’s a popular garment for casual wear, perfect for cooler weather. You can find hoodies with a front pocket, often called a kangaroo pocket, to keep your hands warm. 

Both spellings are used, but “hoodie” is more common in professional settings. Whether you call it a hoodie or hoody, it’s all about comfort and style.

Origins of “Hoodie” and “Hoody”

The terms “hoodie” and “hoody” both come from the word “hooded sweatshirt.” The word “hoodie” became popular around the early 1990s, with people shortening “hooded sweatshirt” to make it easier to say. “Hoody” is a less common version, but it still pops up in casual talk. Both words were used as slang, showing how language can change over time. Today, both are widely accepted, but “hoodie” is the more common choice.

“Hoodie” vs “Hoody”

Here’s a comparison table between “hoodie” and “hoody”:

Aspect	Hoodie	Hoody
Spelling	Most popular and widely recognized	Less common and more informal
Formality	Suitable for formal or professional use	Fits better in casual situations
Origin	Evolved from “hooded sweatshirt” in the 1990s	Likely emerged alongside “hoodie”
Usage	Found in dictionaries and formal writing	Frequently used in informal speech
Prevalence	Highly familiar and broadly utilized	Less prevalent but easily understood

This table simplifies the differences between the two terms and highlights their respective contexts and uses.

“Hoodie” or “Hoody”: Which Spelling is Right?

When deciding between “hoodie” and “hoody,” both are correct, but “hoodie” is more widely accepted. “Hoodie” is preferred in formal writing and dictionaries, while “hoody” is often used in casual settings.

Here is a Quick Pick

Both “hoodie” and “hoody” are correct spellings for the hooded sweatshirt across different English variations, including American, British, and Australian English. But “hoodie” is the more popular choice and gets used more often, especially in formal writing and dictionaries. On the other hand, “hoody” is less frequently used and typically found in more casual or informal settings.

“Hoodie”

“Hoodie” is the go-to spelling for a sweatshirt with a hood. It’s widely accepted in both American and British English. You’ll often see it in dictionaries, formal writing, and online shopping sites.

“Hoody”

“Hoody” is a less common spelling but still used by some people. It’s typically seen in more casual settings and informal language. Some fashion brands prefer this version to give a laid-back vibe. However, it’s not as widely accepted as “hoodie.”

What’s the Real Difference Between Hoodie and Hoody?

The real difference between “hoodie” and “hoody” mainly comes down to spelling and usage. “Hoodie” is the more common and widely accepted spelling, seen in dictionaries, online stores, and formal writing. People use it more often when talking about a hooded sweatshirt, especially in the fashion industry and professional settings. 

The term “hoodie” has become universally recognized and is used across various English-speaking countries, including the U.S., UK, and Australia.

On the other hand, “hoody” is a less popular alternative that appears more in casual language. It’s often used in relaxed settings, like social media or among younger crowds. 

Some brands and subcultures, like streetwear, might use “hoody” to create a more laid-back, trendy image. While both terms refer to the same type of clothing, “hoodie” is the go-to choice for most people, especially in formal or widely-read contexts.

Which Expression is Most Commonly Used?

The term “hoodie” is by far the most commonly used expression when referring to a hooded sweatshirt. It’s the preferred spelling in dictionaries, fashion catalogues, and online shopping platforms. 

People tend to use “hoodie” in formal settings like articles, advertisements, and professional communications. Its widespread recognition makes it the go-to term across different English-speaking countries, whether you’re talking about fashion or simply describing a comfortable piece of clothing.

On the other hand, “hoody” is less commonly used but still understood in casual, everyday conversations. It’s more often seen in informal contexts, especially among younger audiences and specific subcultures like streetwear. 

While it may be popular on social media or among certain fashion brands targeting a youthful demographic, it doesn’t have the same global reach or official recognition as “hoodie.” In most cases, “hoodie” will be the word you’ll encounter most frequently.

What’s the Plural of “Hoodie” and “Hoody”?

“Hoodie” is simply “hoodies.”

When you talk about more than one hoodie, you just add an “s” at the end. This is the same for most English words, like “sweater” becoming “sweaters.” So, if you’re referring to several hooded sweatshirts, you’d say “I have three hoodies.”

“Hoody” plural is also “hoodies.” 

Even though “hoody” is less common, its plural still follows the same rules.Whether you prefer “hoodie” or “hoody,” when talking about more than one, the word becomes “hoodies.” Both forms are treated the same way in terms of pluralization.

Pluralization Rules:

• To make most English nouns plural, simply add an “s” at the end. For example, “hoodie” becomes “hoodies.”
• If a word ends in “y,” like “hoody,” you also add “s” to make it plural, turning “hoody” into “hoodies.”
• For words ending in “s,” “x,” “z,” “ch,” or “sh,” you usually add “es” to form the plural, like “box” becomes “boxes.”
• Some irregular nouns don’t follow these rules, like “child” turning into “children,” but most words follow the simple “s” or “es” rule.
• Pluralizing words in English is mostly straightforward, but you should always check if a word has any special rules.

Usage Examples of “Hoodie,” “Hoody,” and “Hoodies”

Sentences with “Hoodie”

• I love wearing my hoodie on chilly days because it’s so cozy.
• She picked out a blue hoodie to match her jeans.
• This hoodie has a big kangaroo pocket in the front for my phone.
• I saw a hoodie with a cool graphic design at the store today.
• He put on his hoodie to stay warm while walking to school.
• My hoodie has a zipper, so I can wear it open or closed.
• The hoodie was too big, so I had to exchange it for a smaller size.
• Hoodies are perfect for casual days when you just want to relax.

Sentences with “Hoody”

• He prefers to wear a hoody because it feels more casual than a regular jacket.
• Some streetwear brands use the word “hoody” to make their clothes feel more laid-back.
• I saw someone wearing a bright yellow hoody at the park this morning.
• She got a cool hoody with a graphic print that was only available in limited quantities.
• The hoody he wore had a unique design on the sleeves, making it stand out.
• For his birthday, he received a hoody that his friend custom-made for him.
• In the winter, he loves to layer a hoody under his jacket for extra warmth.
• If you’re going for an urban style, a hoody is a great choice.

Sentences with “Hoodies”

• I bought two hoodies, one in black and one in grey.
• They sell a variety of hoodies at the local sports store, from plain to printed.
• Our team ordered matching hoodies for the big game next weekend.
• These hoodies are made from soft cotton, so they’re comfortable all day long.
• I need to wash my hoodies because they’ve gotten a bit dirty from the gym.
• The store offers hoodies in different sizes, from small to extra-large.
• My friends and I love wearing hoodies when we hang out after school.
• Hoodies are popular in both the city and the countryside because they’re so versatile.

So, Should You Say Hoodie or Hoody?

 It really depends on the situation. If you’re writing formally or talking in a professional setting, “hoodie” is the better choice. However, if you’re chatting with friends or going for a laid-back vibe, “hoody” works just fine. Both terms refer to the same thing, so it’s all about the tone and context!

Conclusion

In conclusion, whether you choose “hoody or hoodie,” both terms refer to the same cosy, hooded sweatshirt. “Hoodie” is more widely used and preferred in formal settings, while “hoody” is common in casual speech.

Both spellings work, but “hoodie” is the standard choice in most situations.Choose based on your audience and the tone you want to convey. Either way, both terms will get your point across about this popular piece of casual wear.

FAQs

Is it spelled hoody or hoodie?
Both “hoody” and “hoodie” are correct spellings, but “hoodie” is the more widely used and preferred form, especially in formal writing and dictionaries.

How do you spell hoodie in the UK?
In the UK, both “hoody” and “hoodie” are recognized, but “hoodie” is more commonly used in written and spoken language.

What is the proper name for hoodie?
The correct term for “hoodie” is “hooded sweatshirt,” meaning a sweatshirt with a built-in hood. “Hoodie” is just a popular slang abbreviation.

Sources

Merriam-Webster (Hoodie Definition & Meaning and Hoody Definition & Meaning) and Etymonline (hoodie | Etymology of hoodie by etymonline).