deary

American  

[deer-ee] / ˈdɪər i /

Or dearie

noun

Informal: Sometimes Facetious.

plural

dearies

1. darling.

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deary British  

/ ˈdɪərɪ /

noun

1. informal a term of affection: now often sarcastic or facetious

2. an exclamation of surprise or dismay

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Etymology

Origin of deary

First recorded in 1675–85; dear ¹ + -y ²

Example Sentences

It comes when Callas, resplendent even in a bathrobe, glides into the kitchen to sing at Bruna while the poor deary cooks her an omelet.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 27, 2024

But I’m content, for it’s comin’ to me, my deary, and comin’ quick.

From "Dracula" by Bram Stoker

Laurie thanked her with a look that made her think in a sudden panic, “Oh, deary me! I know he’ll say something, and then what shall I do?”

From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott

Then we to the carns will away, my pednpaley10 My deary, my tweet!

From The Piskey-Purse Legends and Tales of North Cornwall by Tregarthen, Enys

"It's not rubbish, deary," said Mrs. Tunks, mysteriously; "the dead walk."

From The Solitary Farm by Hume, Fergus