term of endearment

Definitions

A word, phrase, or nickname used as a term of address expressing affection; it is often a diminutive.

Equivalents

Examples

“The words had such a softening influence⟳, that he appended a term of endearment to Mrs. Dombey's name⟳ (though not without some hesitation, as being a man but little used to that form⟳ of address): and said, ‘Mrs. Dombey, my—my dear.’”

“"Kun" is a term of endearment often used in Japan for small boys. Yoshi-kun lived with his parents and grandparents in a house in Takasaki.”

“The people of Madagascar call⟳ him Deba, which means Big Boss. When President Didier Ratsiraka came to power 26 years ago, the moniker was meant as a term of endearment.”

CEFR level