Word
kiddo
Phoneticskid·do
UK/kˈɪdəʊ/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a friendly way to address a child or a younger person. You use it when you want to sound warm and casual.
n. an informal and affectionate form of address for a child or a younger person. Often used by adults to signal a protective or familiar relationship.
Examples
“Don't worry about the mess, kiddo.”
“The coach patted the player on the shoulder and said you'll get them next time, kiddo.”
“While the term is meant to be endearing, using it with a younger colleague in a professional setting can sometimes come across as patronising rather than friendly.”
Examples
simple
“Don't worry about the mess, kiddo.”
contextual
“The coach patted the player on the shoulder and said you'll get them next time, kiddo.”
complex
“While the term is meant to be endearing, using it with a younger colleague in a professional setting can sometimes come across as patronising rather than friendly.”
Usage
Primarily used as a vocative (a word used to address someone directly).
Etymology
From kid + -o; see kid (“child”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/kiddo