What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
nappy
Example
I need to change the baby's nappy. [nappy: noun]
Example
She wiped her face with a damp nappy. [nappy: noun]
Example
He felt nappy after a long day at work. [nappy: adjective]
swaddle
Example
The nurse showed us how to swaddle the baby to help her sleep. [swaddle: verb]
Example
The wrestler was swaddled in a tight hold by his opponent. [swaddled: past participle]
Example
She felt swaddled by the warm blanket on the cold winter night. [swaddled: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Nappy is more commonly used in British English, while diaper is more commonly used in American English. Swaddle is less common than nappy or diaper, but it is still a recognizable term for parents and caregivers.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between nappy and swaddle?
Both nappy and swaddle are informal terms that are commonly used in everyday language. However, nappy may be considered more casual than swaddle due to its association with hygiene and cleanliness.