Pronunciation: [ˈiːni] (IPA) 
"Eeny" is a common children's rhyme used to make a random selection between two things. The spelling of this word corresponds to its pronunciation, which is /ˈin.i/. The first sound is "ih" as in "sit" followed by "n" and an "ee" sound like in "see". The last part is "y" as in "happy". The word "eeny" may vary in different dialects and regions, but the essential sound of each letter should be articulated as such.
Eeny is a slang term that originated from the children's counting rhyme "Eeny, meeny, miny, moe." It is commonly used to refer to a method of making a random choice or decision, particularly when faced with a difficult or indecisive situation. The term is frequently employed in a playful or lighthearted context, such as deciding who will go first in a game or determining which option to choose among several equally appealing alternatives.
As a noun, eeny denotes the process of using a specific technique to make a random selection or decision. It involves a sequential counting pattern that is recited or visually followed, allowing one to arrive at a choice at the conclusion of the rhyme. The original verse typically begins with "Eeny, meeny, miny, moe" and continues with variations to create a melody or rhythmic pattern.
As an adjective, eeny is often used to describe something that is arbitrary, haphazard, or based on chance. It indicates that a decision or choice was made using the eeny method, suggesting an absence of preference or intention.
In summary, eeny is a colloquial term that refers to the action, process, or outcome of making a random selection or decision using the counting rhyme "Eeny, meeny, miny, moe." It can also describe something as being arbitrary or based on chance.
The word "eeny" is believed to have originated in African American Vernacular English (AAVE). Its etymology is not entirely clear, but it is thought to be a variant of the word "any" or "anyone". It is commonly used in the phrase "eeny, meeny, miny, moe", which dates back to at least the early 19th century as a counting-out rhyme used to make random selections. The word has since become a part of children's games and is used to playfully choose or determine something randomly.
