Bonny
/ˈbɒni/noun
Pleasantly attractive, charming, or fine; especially in Scots and Northern English.
Did you know?Bonny is ultimately tied to the same Latin root as *bonus* (“good”), so this cozy compliment shares ancient DNA with words of moral value, not just looks.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
bonus
“good, favorable”
Old French
Old French
bon
“good, fine, pleasant”
Middle English
English
bonie
“good-looking, handsome, pleasant”
16th Century
Scots/English
bonny
“pleasant, attractive, fine”
Modern English
English
bonny
“attractive, charming; especially in Scots and Northern English”
Explore more surprising origins