TERMS OF ENDEARMENT

Good morning.

Today is St. Valentine's Day, a day for celebrating love and affection. In honour of this day, we're going to learn some English terms of endearment.

Today's words refer to: terms of endearment

Meaning: a term of endearment is an affectionate word or phrase that we call another person. You could use them for your partner (husband, wife, boyfriend, girlfriend), your child or even a pet!

Some common terms of endearment:
love, lovie, sweetheart, sweetie, darling, dear, honey, sugar, baby, babe, dove, duck, pet

Some of the terms are more common in British English (duck, dear, pet) and others are more usual to hear in American English (sweetheart, sweetie, darling, honey, sugar, baby, babe). In any case, it's a good idea to check with a native speaker because terms of endearment often differ from region to region.

Example 1:
Wife: I think we should go out for dinner on Valentine's day, darling, don't you?
Husband: Great idea, honey. What about that French restaurant on Taylor Avenue?

Example 2:
Mother: Sweetie! Did you tidy up your room? It's almost time for bed.
Child: I'm doing it now, mom!

Example 3:
Young Man: You look absolutely smashing, pet! Is that a new dress?
Young Woman: Aww, thanks, love, yes. I bought it last week at Modern Things.

If you know any other terms of endearment in English or you'd like to ask us a question about these ones, post a question in the Daily Vitamin section on our website.

Happy Valentine's Day!