What does the suffix 'ie' in the word 'selfie' mean?

[tulipflower]

What does the suffix 'ie' in the word 'selfie' mean?

Do selfie mean 'related to self' just like 'smilie'?

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

It does not mean "related to self" in either word.

It's a diminutive. The suffix ie can make a word or name seem more friendly or playful or informal. A selfie is a cute little picture. A smilie is a funny little happyface.

For instance, my real name is Charles. In English, we often use an ie or y at the end of children's nicknames: Willy, Barbie, Tommy, Lizzie.

That's what my family did with my name. I just never outgrew it.

 

[Rover_KE]

Many artists paint self-portraits. Selfie is a convenient abbreviation of 'self-photograph'.