Summary
The focus is on the meanings of “shortie,” “crook,” and “crooked,” especially in relation to football, South African English, and walking styles. The explanations highlight how these words shift depending on culture and context, with playful and humorous uses. Several famous short footballers are also mentioned as examples.
Context and Scope
The coverage includes slang meanings, cultural variations, football associations, and descriptions of movement. It explains both affectionate and mocking uses of “shortie,” the criminal and regional sense of “crook,” and the descriptive use of “crooked” for stealthy walking. It also notes examples of celebrated short footballers.
Exhaustive Narrative of Facts
Meaning of Shortie
“Shortie,” also written “shorty,” is a casual English word for someone who is short in height. It can also serve as a pet name like “honey” or “darling.” In a joking workplace context, it most likely refers to height.
Meaning of Crook
“Crook” literally means a criminal or swindler. In Australian English it also means “sick” or “feeling unwell.” In general English it usually points to delinquent behavior.
South African English Usage
In South Africa, “shortie” has the same meaning as elsewhere, for someone short or as an affectionate nickname. “Crook” means delinquent or thief and does not carry the Australian sense of illness.
Shortie in Football Context
In football, “shortie” is not an official term but is used informally to describe a player who is short, often quick and agile. It can be a teasing or affectionate nickname among teammates.
Famous Short Footballers
Several players have been admired despite being short:
- Lionel Messi, 1.70 m, often called “the little magician” or “shorty.”
- Diego Maradona, 1.65 m, known for agility.
- Xherdan Shaqiri, 1.69 m, nicknamed “the Power Cube.”
- Santi Cazorla, 1.68 m, praised for his technique.
- Gianfranco Zola, 1.68 m, also nicknamed “little magician.”
In football, “shortie” can signal affection or admiration rather than insult.
Crook and Walking Style
While “crook” usually means criminal, the related word “crooked” means twisted or bent. Using “crook” to describe walking can be a playful mistake, hinting at “crooked.”
Crooked in Stealthy Walking
A colleague commented that someone “looked a bit crooked walking stealthily.” This meant the person appeared hunched or awkward while moving quietly, more humorous than offensive.
Practical Takeaways
- “Shortie” usually refers to someone short, but can also be affectionate.
- “Crook” means criminal, and in Australia also means unwell.
- In South Africa, “crook” means delinquent only.
- In football, “shortie” is an informal nickname for short players.
- Famous short players include Messi, Maradona, Shaqiri, Cazorla, and Zola.
- “Crooked” describes bent or awkward movement, fitting a stealthy walk in a playful sense.
My Diary - Leonardo Cardillo 