sweetie

Everyday

1. (informal) Sweetie is a loving name you call someone you like, such as a child or a partner: «Thank you, sweetie.» tree →
2. (informal) A sweetie is a kind, lovely person: she's a real sweetie. tree →
3. (UK, Scotland, child's word) A sweetie is a sweet, a piece of candy. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday speech and stories, parents and grandparents call children «sweetie»; it shows warmth and love. In the UK, especially Scotland, children ask for «sweeties». Related: sweetheart, honey, love, darling.

Examples

• Come here, sweetie, and give me a hug. tree →
• Night night, sweetie. tree →
• Our new neighbour is a real sweetie. tree →
• Can I have a sweetie, Gran? tree →
• The little girl shared her sweeties with her friends. tree →
• Thanks for helping, sweetie. tree →

Note

Informal and affectionate; it can sound rude or bossy if a stranger or an adult at work says it to someone. Plural: sweeties. In the US a «sweet» is usually called «candy».