Search from various English teachers...
Andrew
Do Americans use the suffix "ish" to indicate vagueness?
Hi. Do Americans use the suffix "ish" to indicate vagueness? If yes, how often do they use it (often, rarely)?
Some examples:
Let's meet at two-ish (three-ish, four-ish, etc).
I thought it was yellow-ish.
It is a moreish mix of coffee, rum and cream.
Thanks.
Aug 16, 2015 3:01 AM
Answers · 8
2
This is a feature of the informal language of all English-speaking countries - not only the USA. It's very common in British English. 'Shortish' is a bit short, but not very short. 'Nice-ish' means fairly nice. 'Cheapish' means relatively cheap, and so on.
'Let's meet at two-ish' means 'around two o'clock.'
'Yellowish' means 'a bit yellow' e.g. a 'yellowish green' is a green which tends towards yellow.
NB 'Moreish' is not an expression of vagueness. It's an informal, invented word for something that if you taste it once you'll want some more, but it is not the same as the other examples. It uses the suffix 'ish', but it has nothing to do with being vague.
August 16, 2015
2
This type of usage is more in the way of slang. It is quite common, but not formal.
August 16, 2015
1
I'm American & I hardly ever say "2ish" ;"Yellowish", maybe, sometimes; "Moreish": never heard of it. Is it English?? ;)
August 17, 2015
Thanks for your comment, Gary!
August 16, 2015
We certainly do here in New Zealand
August 16, 2015
Still haven’t found your answers?
Write down your questions and let the native speakers help you!
Andrew
Language Skills
Chinese (Mandarin), English
Learning Language
Chinese (Mandarin), English
Articles You May Also Like

Same Word, Different Meaning: American, British, and South African English
11 likes · 8 Comments

How to Sound Confident in English (Even When You’re Nervous)
13 likes · 11 Comments

Marketing Vocabulary and Phrases for Business English Learners
10 likes · 4 Comments
More articles