English

Noun

term of endearment ‎(plural terms of endearment)

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

     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 Sept. 20, Nicholas D. Kristof, "Kidnap-Murder of 5-Year-Old Shakes Japan," 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," 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.

Synonyms

• endearment

Translations