hypocorism

American  

[hahy-pok-uh-riz-uhm, hi-] / haɪˈpɒk əˌrɪz əm, hɪ- /

noun

1. pet name.

2. the practice of using a pet name.

3. the use of forms of speech imitative of baby talk, especially by an adult.

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hypocorism British  

/ haɪˈpɒkəˌrɪzəm, ˌhaɪpəkɔːˈrɪstɪk /

noun

1. a pet name, esp one using a diminutive affix

   ``Sally'' is a hypocorism for ``Sarah''

2. another word for euphemism

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Other Word Forms

• hypocoristic adjective
• hypocoristically adverb

Etymology

Origin of hypocorism

First recorded in 1840–50; from Greek hypokórisma “pet name, endearing name; diminutive (word)”; hypocoristic, -ism

Explanation

A hypocorism is a nickname that shows affection or closeness. If your dog's name is Buster but you tend to call him "Sweetiecakes," you're using a hypocorism. A pet name is a hypocorism, and so is the addition of a diminutive suffix to the end of a name, like when you change the name "Bill" to "Billy." Some hypocorisms are as straightforward as changing "Melissa" to "Missy," and others are strange terms of endearment, like your mom calling your dad "Boopsy" when she thinks no one can hear. The Greek root word is hypokorizesthai, literally "to use child talk."

Example Sentences

The sponsor: Coty, Inc. � In Washington, the Modern Language Association of America accused the U.S. of having an inordinate bent for hypocorism, i.e., baby talk.

From Time Magazine Archive

President Jimmy Carter has institutionalized his hypocorism with determination and skill, thus becoming the first President in history to get away with official use of a nickname.

From Time Magazine Archive