term of endearment

term of endearment (plural terms of endearment)

1. A word, phrase, or nickname used as a term of address expressing affection.
   • 1846, Charles Dickens, chapter 1, in Dombey and Son:

     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.’

   • 1987 September 20, Nicholas D. Kristof, “Kidnap-Murder of 5-Year-Old Shakes Japan”, in New York Times, retrieved 25 June 2013:

     "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.

   • 2002 June 16, Simon Robinson, “Tropical Trouble”, in Time:

     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.

• endearment
• diminutive

• Category:English endearing terms
• Category:English childish terms