#hypocorism

noun

A name of endearment; a pet name.

The use of such names.

Hey Honey Pie! Yeah, I’m talking to you, Sweet Babboo. I’m gonna pull out one o’ them two dollar words for today’s Word of the Day. It’s “hypocorism.” 

“Hypocorism” is the use of what we usually call “pet names,” or nicknames used to show affection, closeness and intimacy. It’s usually more than just calling your friend Ralph “Ralphie,” but “Ralphie” can certainly be considered hypocoristic, too. (Hypocoristic is the adjective. Hypocorism is a noun). A hypocorism is often a diminutive form of a name, like “Bobby” for Robert, or “Missy” for Melissa, or even “Nana” for Grandma.   

When the Four Tops sang about “Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch” in 1965 (also known as “I Can’t Help Myself”), that was a great example of hypocorism – and a number one Motown hit. 

If all those little terms of endearment – like Nana, cutie-patootie, sweet babboo – sound a lot like baby talk, well, that makes perfect sense. The word hypocorism came from the Greek verb “hypokorizesthai,” meaning “to play the child,” and “hupokorizomai,” to speak in the language of children. 

Speaking of pet names, all the pets in my household have at least three names (and sometimes many more). There’s the official, registered name (like “Fiesta Unsinkable Golden Heart”)…then the “call” name (like “Orla”)…and finally, the hypocoristic name (like “Bitsy Noodle Pie”). Frankly, it’s a wonder they all don’t have multiple personality disorder. 

Zirtle

Hypocorism:

1. a pet name.

2. the practice of using a pet name.