dunny

dunny · adjective¹

From dun (“dusky brown”) + -y (“forming adjectives of lesser degree”).

dunny · adjective, noun²

Probably from dun (“to ring”) + -y (“forming adjectives of lesser degree”).

dunny · noun³

A clipped form of English cant dunnakin (“outhouse”) + -y (suffix forming affectionate diminutives). Dunnakin, dunnekin, etc. are of uncertain etymology, but probably from some form of English cant danna (“dung”) + ken (“house”, pejorative slang). The Scottish and North English senses may derive from Etymology 4 below, either under influence from English cant or as its original source.

dunny · noun⁴

A clipped form of English dungeon + -y (“forming affectionate diminutives”).

First known use, by meaning

• From 1859. Alternative form of danna: shit.
• From 1933. An outhouse: an outbuilding used as a lavatory.