deary

American  

[deer-ee] / ˈdɪər i /

Or dearie

noun

Informal: Sometimes Facetious.

plural

dearies

1. darling.

---

deary British  

/ ˈdɪərɪ /

noun

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

2. an exclamation of surprise or dismay

---

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

“I'm a Paragon of Taste with a tea marvel, dearies. British, specifically, but the pot can brew you any kind you like in an instant.”

From Literature

“Have a good time, dearies!” said Mrs. March, as the sisters went daintily down the walk.

From Literature

Step on a crack, my dearies, step on a crack and teach your granny to suck eggs from her one basket.

From The New Yorker

Deary, deary," she went on, "but it is coming down!

From Project Gutenberg