What does "sweets" mean?

1. (candy) small pieces of sweet food made mostly with sugar. 2. (term of endearment) a kind name you call someone you like or love. 3. (drugs) a slang word for certain illegal drugs, especially pills.

How do you use "sweets"?

Usually plural when referring to the food items generally. Used as a vocative to address someone directly. Used almost exclusively in criminal or drug-culture contexts.

sweets

US //ˈswits// UK //swˈiːts// sweets

1 candy (n.)
A2 Elementary British English Cooking

small pieces of sweet food made mostly with sugar.

confectionery or candy; small food items consisting primarily of sugar and flavourings.

Example

The children spent their pocket money on a bag of colourful sweets at the corner shop.

Example

The traditional shop was famous for its glass jars filled with handmade boiled sweets, attracting tourists from across the county.

Usage

Usually plural when referring to the food items generally.
2 term of endearment (n.)
B1 Intermediate Informal

a kind name you call someone you like or love.

a term of endearment used to address a romantic partner, family member, or close friend.

Example

Don't worry about the mess, sweets, I will help you clean it up.

Example

He often addressed his grandchildren as 'sweets' when they arrived for their weekly Sunday visit.

Usage

Used as a vocative to address someone directly.

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3 drugs (n.)
C1 Advanced Slang

a slang word for certain illegal drugs, especially pills.

a slang term for illicit drugs, particularly amphetamines or other synthetic pills.

Example

The police found several bags of sweets hidden in the back of the stolen car.

Example

Undercover officers monitored the club for several weeks to identify the primary source of the sweets being distributed on the dance floor.

Usage

Used almost exclusively in criminal or drug-culture contexts.
- pills
- gear