WordGarden.ioindy
C2Pronunciation
UK
US
- /ˈɪndi/
Meanings
Proper-noun
an informal name for Indianapolis
the Indianapolis 500 or its associated motor-racing venue
Adjective
relating to indie music or a non-mainstream creative style
Noun
(informal)an independent artist, label, studio, game, film, or producer
Beyond the definition
"Indy" has two common uses. In everyday writing, it can be a less common spelling of "indie," meaning independent and outside the mainstream, especially in music, film, publishing, or business. But "Indy" is also a very common short name for Indianapolis, especially in sports and racing. Because of that, people often connect it with the Indy 500 or with the city itself.
The word "indy" can point in two different directions, and the capital letter often helps show which one is meant.
First, as a less common variant of "indie," it describes something independent, especially in creative or business settings. An indy film, band, label, press, or shop usually works outside the biggest commercial systems. The idea is not just "small." It also suggests freedom, a personal style, and a willingness to do things a different way. In modern English, though, the spelling "indie" is much more common for this meaning.
Second, "Indy" is a very common short form of "Indianapolis," the capital of Indiana in the United States. In this sense, it appears in place names, travel talk, local news, and especially motor racing. When people mention the Indy 500, they mean the famous race held in Indianapolis. In many contexts, this city meaning is actually more common than the "independent" one.
So if you see "indy" in lowercase, it may be a variant of "indie." If you see "Indy" with a capital "I," it often refers to Indianapolis or something closely tied to the city. The surrounding context usually makes the meaning clear.
Examples
- 1
Music
She plays bass in a small indy band from Portland.
- Usage
indy is a less common spelling of indie
- 2
Film budget
The movie was made on an indy budget, but it still looks great.
- 3
Video games
He usually buys games from indy studios rather than big publishers.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- underground
- do-it-yourself
Contrast
- mainstream
- major-label
Do not confuse
- Indianapolis
Used with (collocations)
- indy film
- indy music
- indy game
Explore
- independent production
- small press
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- indy