Pronunciation: [fˈʊtsi] (IPA) 
The word "footsie" is spelled with a double "o" and "ie" at the end, indicating a long "oo" sound followed by an "ee" sound. This is shown in IPA phonetic transcription as /ˈfʊtsi/. It is commonly used to describe a flirtatious game where two people touch each other's feet under a table. The word "footsie" originated in the early 1900s from "foot" and "tootsie," meaning "little foot," and has been used in popular culture ever since.
"Footsie" is a colloquial term that can be used to define two distinct concepts, one referring to a form of secret or flirtatious footplay and the other representing the acronym for a stock market index.
In the context of its flirtatious connotation, "footsie" describes a playful and intimate interaction between two individuals involving their feet. It typically involves discreetly touching or brushing one's feet against another person's feet under a table, often in a flirtatious or seductive manner. This act is often seen as a form of non-verbal communication between two people and can sometimes be used as a means of expressing affection, attraction, or simply teasing.
On the other hand, "Footsie" can also refer to the Financial Times Stock Exchange (FTSE) 100 Index. It is commonly used in the United Kingdom and represents the top 100 companies listed on the London Stock Exchange based on market capitalization. The Footsie serves as a barometer for the overall performance of the British stock market and is used by investors, analysts, and economists to gauge the health and trends of the UK economy. The list of companies that make up the index is periodically reviewed and revised to reflect changes in the market and ensure its accuracy and representativeness.
The word "footsie" is of uncertain etymology, with multiple theories regarding its origin. One theory suggests that it is derived from the word "foot", referring to the act of using one's foot to playfully touch or stroke another person's foot. Another theory proposes that it may be derived from "foot-soldier", to imply a surreptitious or covert action, as foot soldiers historically engaged in stealthy maneuvers. However, as there is no definitive evidence, the true etymology of "footsie" remains inconclusive.
