Terms of Endearment

By Rachel Abbott ( ABC School’s Academic Coordinator ) The English language is filled with various words and phrases used for addressing or describing a person, animal, and even objects and possessions, which the speaker feels love and/or affection for. These words and phrases are called ‘terms of endearment’. A part of the process of falling in love is creating our own little universe in which language plays a large part. However, in Britain you’ll often hear terms of endearment in shops, restaurants, and even in the street, being casually used among strangers. It can be very confusing for visitors to the UK, who are not familiar with these terms used every day in conversations, but if you are aware of their real meaning you can use them in your own conversations, if appropriate, and understand what British people mean when they use them. Love/luv This word is used a lot in Britain, especially in Northern England, but it is often used in London and the South-East of England, as well as being popular in Scotland. This term is often used in place of someone’s name. For example, if you visit a local café, whether you are male or female, the person serving behind the counter may ask you “What can I get you, love?” You shouldn’t worry, they are not telling you that they love you, they are simply being warm and friendly! When people send written messages to each other, they often use the spelling ‘luv’. Pet/Duck/Hen British people love to use animals as terms of affection. This is because we are a nation of animal lovers, so please do not be offended if someone calls you ‘pet’, ‘duck’ or ‘hen’ when saying hello or goodbye to you. For example, in the North East of England, these terms are commonly used as part of a greeting - “How are you, pet?” How should you reply? Just say – “I’m good thanks, how about you?” Sweetheart and Sweetie ‘Sweetheart’ and ‘sweetie’ are very common expressions, used especially within the South East region of England. It’s not unusual to hear expressions related to sweet things all across the UK and they are used as a term of affection between loved ones and also as a familiar term of address. The term ‘sweetheart’ in particular can be traced all the way back to the 13^th century, when it was used to describe different personality types. Some people were ‘heavy-hearted’ others were labelled as ‘cold-hearted’ and others were simply called ‘sweetheart’ because they were good to be around. Nowadays, it is often used as a greeting – “How are you, sweetheart?”Darling This term is often used among couples but young couples use it less nowadays. It is also used to talk about someone you admire or appreciate, but is more commonly used in this way by the upper classes. For example, you may hear somebody say “He’s such a darling boy!” This term of endearment is also used frequently among friends – “Hey darling, how have you been?” In addition, it is used as a greeting, in a similar way to ‘sweetie’ and ‘sweetheart’. Honey/hun Perhaps one of the most commonly used terms, and a word that is often shortened, honey is a word that is used amongst couples, friends, and less frequently, by complete strangers. You are more likely to hear ‘hun’ these days. Some people will use the spelling ‘hun’ and others will choose ‘hon’. Either are acceptable but “hun” is considered to be the slang version. These are just some of the expressions we use in the UK and it is likely that you have very similar terms of endearment in your own country. However, although many terms of endearment can be used in many languages, some, “sweetheart” for example, do not translate as well. If you call a French person “honey” for instance, they may think you are comparing them to a sticky mess. If you use the above terms with British people, you can’t go wrong, but only use them with friends, lovers and people you know really well to start with. Just be careful not to use them in formal situations!