deary

American  

[deer-ee] / ˈdɪər i /

Or dearie

noun

Informal: Sometimes Facetious.

dearies plural

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

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

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

From "Dracula" by Bram Stoker

Good-night, my deary; keep your spirits up, and all will come right, or else my name isn’t Louisa Wiseman.”

From By Veldt and Kopje by Scully, W. C. (William Charles)

Eh, lovey, dovey, deary, and is it you, swelley?

From A Woman's Burden by Hume, Fergus