endearment

Everyday

1. An endearment is a loving word or name you call someone, like «love», «sweetheart», «darling» or «pet». tree →
2. Endearment is the act of showing love or affection. tree →

In the lessons

Everyday family life and stories: what grandparents, parents and couples call each other. Regional: «love» (northern England), «pet» (north-east England), «hen» (Scotland), «darl» (Australia). Phrases: term of endearment, words of endearment.

Examples

• «Sweetheart» is a term of endearment. tree →
• Nan calls me «duck», which is an endearment in her part of England. tree →
• In Scotland you might hear «hen» as an endearment. tree →
• The bus driver said «Thanks, love» — just a friendly endearment. tree →
• The letter was full of endearments. tree →
• Pet names like «sunshine» are endearments. tree →

Note

Countable. Endearments from strangers can be friendly in some regions, but if they make you uncomfortable it is fine to say so. Related: endearing (sweet and lovable).