veggie meaning (informal): definition, etymology and quotations

veggie

noun

/ˈvɛd͡ʒi/

Etymology Clipping of vegetable and/or vegetarian + -ie.

Informal A vegetable.

There was lots of rice, at least 20 different "veggies" and all kinds of soups.1931, United States. Dept. of Agriculture, Yearbook of agriculture, page 13:
and eight small dishes of 'veggies,' as we have taught our children lovingly to term that important item of food known as vegetables.1937, American cookery, volume 42, page 498:

Informal A vegetarian.

Vegetarian/vegan meals at most colleges are only pretty average. They have a long way to go to provide nutritionally adequate and tasty food for veggies.2018, Andrew Linzey, Clair Linzey, Ethical Vegetarianism and Veganism:

adj

Etymology Clipping of vegetable and/or vegetarian + -ie.

Informal Vegetarian; not eating meat; suitable for vegetarians; without meat.

One place was too crowded last time, another too expensive, a third she liked but he thought too "veggie."1985, Ellen Goodman, Keeping in touch:
Diet for a Small Planet was also popular at the time, but it was a little too 'veggie,' a little too new for some people.2001 January 20, “Simplicity of Mennonite cookbook makes converts”, in Dallas Morning News:

3 more examples

The main courses are heavy on beans and may be too veggie for the typical meat eater to swallow but side dishes are less exotic and just as healthy ...2001 September 16, “Fighting cancer with a menu”, in Chicago Tribune:
Steven Beeson of Milwaukee won a blue ribbon with this very veggie entree2004 September 1, “Pasta Thai a winner in new competition”, in Milwaukee (Wisconsin) Journal-Sentinel:
If becoming veggie can secure Fran Healy a guest spot from Paul McCartney on his album, what would it take to lure Iggy Pop and Lily Allen?2010 January 15, Mark Beaumont, “Rope in a megastar the easy way”, in Alan Rusbridger, editor, The Guardian, London: Guardian News & Media, →ISSN, →OCLC, archived from the original on 28 Mar 2026:

Vegetable-like, vegetal.

So we actually proved that the old folklore about a dense canopy leading to very veggie wines was true, Noble said.1993 July 21, “Reading between the WINES”, in San Diego (California) Union-Tribune:
They're neither too sweet nor too veggie, but like the other bars, have more calories than a bucket of broccoli.2009 February 4, “The Edgy Veggie: Some greens with that candy bar?”, in Oakland (California) Tribune: