Word
pet name
Countable noun
Definition
n. a special, affectionate name that you use for a close friend, family member, or romantic partner instead of their real name. Common examples include 'honey', 'buddy', or 'sweetie'.
n. an informal, affectionate name used by intimates in place of a given name. Often functions as a hypocorism between romantic partners or family members.
Examples
“He calls his girlfriend 'honey' as a pet name.”
“The couple had several silly pet names for each other that they only used when they were alone at home.”
“Linguistic studies of endearment suggest that pet names often employ diminutive suffixes to signal emotional closeness and social intimacy between interlocutors.”
Examples
simple
“He calls his girlfriend 'honey' as a pet name.”
contextual
“The couple had several silly pet names for each other that they only used when they were alone at home.”
complex
“Linguistic studies of endearment suggest that pet names often employ diminutive suffixes to signal emotional closeness and social intimacy between interlocutors.”
Usage
Commonly used with the verb 'to have' or 'to use'; often paired with 'for' (e.g., 'a pet name for her son').
Related words
- 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.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL 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: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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