# pet name

CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/pet-name
Updated: 2026-07-28

## Definition

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'.

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used with the verb 'to have' or 'to use'; often paired with 'for' (e.g., 'a pet name for her son').

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.