Pronunciation: [pˈɪksi] (IPA) 
The word "pixie" is typically spelled with the letters P-I-X-I-E, but its pronunciation may surprise you. Its IPA phonetic transcription is /ˈpɪksi/, with stress on the first syllable. The "x" in the spelling is actually pronounced as a "ks" sound. The "ie" at the end of the word is pronounced as a long "e" sound, as opposed to the short "i" sound as in "mix" or "fix". So, now you know how to properly spell and pronounce "pixie"!
- Noun: Pixie
1. A small, mythical creature or sprite commonly found in folklore and fairy tales. Pixies are described as having humanoid appearances, characterized by their tiny size, typically no taller than a few inches. They possess pointed ears and often have wings, aiding them in their ability to fly. In folklore, pixies are known for their mischievous nature, often playing pranks on humans or meddling in their affairs.
2. Informal: A term used to describe a small, playful, and mischievous person, often with a childlike demeanor. It is typically used affectionately or humorously to refer to someone, often a child, who is lively, impish, or full of energy.
3. Verb: To pixie (the act of pixie-ing) is an informal term used to describe cutting one's hair very short, usually in a style that emphasizes choppy layers and a sense of disheveled or edgy appearance.
Overall, whether referring to mythical creatures or used in a more colloquial sense, "pixie" defines a small and sprightly being, either supernatural or playful in nature. The term has gained broader usage within popular culture, branching from its origins in folklore.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "pixie" originated in English and its exact etymology is somewhat uncertain. It is believed to have derived from the Old English word "picsie" or "pysie", which meant "elf" or "fairy". However, the origin of these Old English terms is unclear.
Some theories suggest that "pixie" may come from the Cornish word "piskie" or the Welsh word "pwtws", both of which also meant "fairy" or "goblin". Another possibility is that "pixie" may have stemmed from the Swedish word "pyske", meaning "small fairy-like being".
Additionally, there are theories linking the word to "pictus", the Latin word for "painted" or "colored", as some traditional representations of pixies depicted them with colorful attire. However, this connection is more speculative.
