English Reference

Word

luv

Definition

n. a casual way to write 'love' or a friendly name for someone. You might see it in a text message or hear someone in the UK use it to be nice to a stranger.

n. an eye-dialect spelling of 'love' used to represent a casual or regional pronunciation. Often functions as a term of endearment or a familiar form of address in informal British English.

Examples

“Thanks for the help, luv.”

“The shopkeeper smiled and said, 'That will be five pounds, luv,' as she handed over the groceries.”

Examples

simple

“Thanks for the help, luv.”

contextual

“The shopkeeper smiled and said, 'That will be five pounds, luv,' as she handed over the groceries.”

Usage

Primarily used in informal writing or as a vocative term of address; common in British English dialects.

Pitfall

I luv you in a formal letter

I love you in a formal letter

This spelling is highly informal and should be avoided in professional or academic contexts.

This entry

Level
C1 · Advanced
Frequency
Occasional
Updated

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English Reference