kiddo

American  

[kid-oh] / ˈkɪd oʊ /

noun

kiddos, plural kiddoes plural

1. Informal. (used as a familiar form of address.)

---

Usage

What does kiddo mean? Kiddo is an informal way to refer to or address a child or a person who’s younger than the speaker. It can be used for a person of any gender. It's typically intended to imply familiarity or affection. It's especially used as a familiar way to address one's own child or grandchild. Kiddo is most often used in greetings or friendly speech, as in Hey there, kiddo or We’ll get ’em next time, kiddo.    Kiddo is also often used as a more informal synonym for kid, as in Grandpa is spending time with the kiddos down at the lake. Kiddo can sometimes be used to imply that a person is inexperienced or lacks wisdom, as in Look, kiddo, leave this one to the professionals. Example: Are you ready for the trip to Disneyland with your dad, kiddo?

Etymology

Origin of kiddo

First recorded in 1880–85; kid ¹ + -o

Example Sentences

And someday, kiddo, you will appreciate the simple gifts your children give you.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 28, 2025

Then he announced he had a surprise for the kiddo he had nicknamed “Big Ben,” thanks to a sonogram picture he saw where the baby was the same length as a wristwatch.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 17, 2025

“But of course, as a kiddo, I didn’t really see that.”

From Seattle Times • Jun. 11, 2023

Winslet also referenced Threapleton in her speech, saying: "If I could break it in half, I would give the other half to my daughter... we did this together kiddo."

From Reuters • May 15, 2023

“You take care, kiddo, okay? Cammie, remind me to stop at the gas station before we get on the road. You know I’ll just drive right past.”

From "The Miseducation of Cameron Post" by emily m. danforth