Rick’s Latest Listicle: Friends By Any Other Name
Click to hear audio edition. Narration by WondervoxAI.
Rick Rose
Co-Host of The Twist Podcast
Welcome to Rick’s Latest Listicle, a regular feature sharing Rick Rose’s lists of things to know about.
As a single man, another Valentine’s Day came and went this year. But terms of endearment aren’t just for lovers and partners. I use them all the time on my friends. I got great practice living in Louisiana. In the South, affection and respect are expressed abundantly. They can be used in a variety of contexts, from everyday conversation to more romantic gestures.
Here are my favorite Top 5 Terms of Endearment.
5 Sweetheart or Sweets
The word “sweetheart” originated in the 13th century as a combination of the words “sweet” and “heart.” In the Middle Ages, the heart was seen as the seat of emotion, so calling someone your “sweetheart” was a way of saying that they were dear to you.
4 Darling or Darlin’
The word “darling” originated in the 14th century as a variation of the word “dear.” In Old English, the word “deor” meant “precious” or “valued.” So, calling someone your “darling” was a way of saying that they were precious to you.
3 Honey or Hunny Bun
The word “honey” has been used as a term of endearment since the Old English period. In Old English, the word “hunig” meant “sweet, sticky substance made by bees from nectar.” So, calling someone your “honey” was a way of saying that they were sweet to you. And by adding bun, even more sweet.
2 Baby and Bae
The word “baby” originated in the 16th century as a term for a young child. However, it soon came to be used as a term of endearment for a lover. This is likely because babies are seen as innocent and vulnerable, and calling someone your “baby” was a way of saying that you loved them and wanted to protect them. The term “bae” is thought to have originated in the early 2000s in African-American Vernacular English (AAVE). It is a shortened form of the word “baby” or “babe
1 Boo
Boo is a term of endearment that is often used in AAVE but dates back to the 17th Century. It is a shortened form of the word “boo-boo,” as in bruise or injury. Boo was originally used to express affection and concern for someone who is hurt or upset. So that’s why it’s my favorite, as a highly emotional person.
And now you know exactly what you mean when you use one of these on your friends! Or lovers!
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