Filly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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filly

[หˆfษชli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

young horse

A filly is a young female horse, typically under the age of four. They are known for their playful behavior and energy. Fillies often grow into strong and capable adult horses.

Synonyms

female foal, young mare.

Examples of usage

  • The filly raced around the pasture, enjoying her freedom.
  • In horse shows, fillies are often highlighted for their grace.
  • The trainer carefully selected the filly for future competition.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Equestrian Culture

  • Filly races are popular in horse racing, showcasing the speed and agility of young female horses.
  • In breeding, fillies are often raised with great attention, as their future as racehorses can be quite promising.
  • Many equestrian disciplines have specific categories for fillies, allowing them to compete at a young age.

Literature & Art

  • Fillies have been featured in classic works of literature, symbolizing youth and freedom.
  • Artwork throughout history often depicts young horses, illustrating their grace and spirit in various cultures.
  • In childrenโ€™s books, fillies are often portrayed as adventurous characters, encouraging themes of friendship and bravery.

Nature & Behavior

  • Fillies generally exhibit playful and energetic behavior, spending a lot of time running and exploring.
  • Young horses, such as fillies, learn social structures from their mothers and other horses in the herd.
  • Over time, fillies mature into mares; their nurturing instincts develop as they age and often lead them to become mothers themselves.

Pop Culture

  • Movies and TV shows often feature fillies as symbols of friendship and adventure, especially in stories aimed at children.
  • Gaming franchises like 'My Little Pony' showcase filly characters that embody themes of discovery and creativity.
  • Social media has popularized fillies through cute videos and pictures, making them favorites among animal lovers.

Origin of 'filly'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'filly' comes from Old Norse 'filla,' which meant 'young female horse.'
  • The term has been used in the English language since at least the 15th century.
  • It originally referred to any young horse before becoming specifically associated with female horses.

The term 'filly' originates from the Middle English word 'filie' and the Old Norse word 'fรญll', which both refer to a young female horse. The word has its roots in the Proto-Germanic language, where it is related to terms indicating youth or small size. Historically, 'filly' has been used in English since at least the 14th century to describe young horses that were not yet mature enough to be fully trained or bred. Fillies are often differentiated from colts, which are young male horses. Over the centuries, the usage of the term has evolved, but it has maintained its definition to refer specifically to young female equines. This distinction is important in the equestrian world, especially in competitions and breeding, where the gender and age of the horses play a critical role in performance and lineage.


Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,183, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.