1. -y
an adjective-forming suffix meaning “characterized by or inclined to” the substance or action of the word or stem to which the suffix is attached:
bloody; cloudy; sexy; squeaky.
2. -y
a noun-forming suffix, added to monosyllabic bases, occurring in endearing or familiar names or common nouns formed from personal names, other nouns, and adjectives (Billy; Susie; birdie; granny; sweetie; tummy) and in various other usu. informal coinages, sometimes pejorative (boonies; goalie; groupie; Okie; rookie). This suffix also forms from adjectives nouns that denote exemplary or extreme instances of the quality specified (baddie; biggie), sometimes focusing on a restricted, usu. unfavorable sense of the adjective (sharpie; sickie; whitey).
3. -y
a suffix of various origins used in the formation of action nouns from verbs (inquiry), and also found in other abstract nouns (infamy).
Etymology: (repr. L -ia-ia , -ium-ium1; Gk -ia, -eia, -ion; F -ie; G -ie)
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Definitions of -y 
