A hypocorism (/ h aɪ ˈ p ɒ k ər ɪ z əm / hy-POK-ər-iz-əm or / ˌ h aɪ p ə ˈ k ɒr ɪ z əm / HY-pə-KORR-iz-əm; from Ancient Greek ὑποκόρισμα hypokórisma; sometimes also hypocoristic), or pet name, is a name used to show affection for a person.

Hypocorism joined the English language in the mid-19th century and was once briefly a buzzword among linguists, who used it rather broadly to mean "adult baby talk"—that is, the altered …

May 23, 2024 · What Is a Hypocorism? A hypocorism is an altered, usually shortened version of a word or name that is usually used in informal or familiar situations. Nicknames, pet names, and terms of endearment, such as those used among friends, family …

Feb 21, 2019 · A hypocorism is a pet name, nickname, or term of endearment — often a shortened form of a word or name. Adjective: hypocoristic. It derives from the Greek word meaning "to use child-talk."

A hypocorism is a nickname that shows affection or closeness. If your dog's name is Buster but you tend to call him "Sweetiecakes," you're using a hypocorism.

Mar 20, 2025 · hypocorism (countable and uncountable, plural hypocorisms) (linguistics) (countable) A term of endearment, often a diminutive; a pet name. "Mary" is informed that "Polly" is one of those " hypocorisms," or pet-names, in which our language abounds.

There is even a formal academic term for this practice: “hypocorism,” the phenomenon of attaching diminutive forms to names to signify that the person is near the bottom of the …

What is Hypocorism? Hypocorism is a way of shortening a long word to just one syllable by adding – ie - or – y to its ending. This word formation process is mainly used in British and Australian English.

Define hypocorism. hypocorism synonyms, hypocorism pronunciation, hypocorism translation, English dictionary definition of hypocorism. n. 1. A name of endearment; a pet name. 2. The use of such names. hy′po·co·ris′tic adj. & n. hy′po·co·ris′ti·cal·ly …

Oct 17, 2014 · Hypocorisma is a type of euphemism derived from a Greek word meaning “pet name.” The English word hypocorism may be defined as “the diminutive or otherwise altered version of a given name.” Sometimes the original name is clear in the hypocorism: Johnny < John Chris < Christopher Millie < Millicent Pat, Patty < Patricia.