Pronunciation: [klˈɪpɪ] (IPA) 
The word "clippie" is a noun that refers to a female bus conductor in the UK. Spelled with a double "p" and "ie", this word is pronounced as /ˈklɪpi/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The "cl" sound is pronounced with the tongue touching the roof of the mouth behind the teeth, followed by a short "i" vowel sound. The double "p" indicates a slightly longer sound and is followed by the "ie" ending pronounced with a long "ee" sound.
Clippie is a colloquial term commonly used in Britain to refer to a bus conductor or bus ticket collector. It originates from the practice of clipping bus tickets to denote that they have been collected or checked.
Historically, before the advent of electronic ticketing systems, clippies played a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of bus services. They were responsible for collecting fares from passengers, issuing tickets, providing information, and maintaining order on the bus. Often recognized by their distinctive uniforms, including caps and ticket pouches, clippies were a familiar sight on public transport in the mid-20th century.
The term "clippie" may also carry nostalgic connotations, reflecting a bygone era of public transportation. It evokes a sense of community and familiarity, as clippies were known to interact with passengers, particularly in smaller towns or rural areas.
In contemporary usage, clippie may still be used to refer to bus conductors, particularly in areas where traditional conductors are employed. However, with the widespread introduction of electronic ticketing systems and the move towards driver-only operated buses in many regions, the role of the clippie has become less common.
Overall, clippie is a word associated with the historical occupation of bus conductor or ticket collector, representing a person responsible for ticketing and customer service on public buses.
The word "clippie" is a colloquial term used in the United Kingdom, particularly in Scotland and Northern Ireland, to refer to a female bus conductor or ticket collector. The term is derived from the practice of clipping or punching tickets as a means of validation during the days of manual ticketing.
In the past, bus conductors were responsible for collecting fares and issuing tickets to passengers. They would often use a ticket punch or clipper to make a small hole or notch in the ticket, indicating that it had been used. This process of "clipping" the tickets gave rise to the term "clippie" as a nickname for female bus conductors.
The term "clippie" is believed to have originated in the mid-20th century when bus travel was more common and manual ticketing systems were widely employed.
