deary

Or dear·ie

[deer-ee]

noun

Informal: Sometimes Facetious.

plural

dearies 

1. darling.

deary

/ ˈdɪərɪ /

noun

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

2. an exclamation of surprise or dismay

Word History and Origins

Origin of deary¹

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.

Read more on 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.”

Read more on Literature

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

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

Read more on The New Yorker

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

Read more on Project Gutenberg