Pronunciation: [swˈɪmɪz] (IPA) 
The word "swimmies" is spelled with two "m's" to show that it's a compound word made up of "swim" and "armies". The first syllable "swim" is spelled with a "w" and a short "i" sound /swɪm/. The second syllable "mies" is spelled with a long "i" sound /mi:z/ and a double "m" to indicate the plural. "Swimmies" refers to inflatable arm floaties used by children when learning how to swim.
Swimmies is an informal term primarily used in North American English to refer to inflatable arm bands or floaties worn on the upper arms for support and buoyancy while swimming. Also known as water wings or swimming aids, swimmies are typically made of waterproof materials such as vinyl or rubber and are designed to help children or weak swimmers stay afloat and maintain balance in the water.
Swimmies are popular swimming aids for beginners or those who lack confidence in the water, as they provide an extra layer of safety by preventing the arms from sinking and allowing individuals to focus on learning or improving their swimming technique. By keeping the arms buoyant, swimmies enable a sense of freedom and promote water confidence without the need for constant assistance or supervision.
While primarily intended for children, swimmies are also available for adults who may need additional support while swimming. They are commonly used in swimming pools, at the beach, or during water-based activities such as snorkeling or water aerobics.
Despite their popularity and utility in enhancing water safety and comfort, it is important to note that swimmies should never be considered a substitute for proper swimming skills or adult supervision. It is always essential to ensure that swimmers, especially children, are closely observed and appropriately trained to swim without the aid of swimmies whenever possible.
The word "swimmies" is a colloquial term used to describe inflatable arm bands or floatation devices worn on the arms while swimming. The etymology of the term is relatively simple and stems from the combination of the words "swim" and the suffix "-ies" added as a colloquial and diminutive form. "Swim" refers to the action of moving through water, and the "-ies" suffix is often used in informal speech to create a playful or endearing effect. Therefore, "swimmies" simply means something like "little swim things" or "swim accessories" in a more whimsical way.
