post #949050 post #2882134 post #3205080 post #4775644 post #4800250

A term of endearment is a term with a generally positive connotation used to address a character.

Terms of endearment are most often used to address someone of emotional attachment, such as friends, family, and partners. It is not always done between people in a relationship, as terms of endearment may be given by a person; talking to themself, flirting with a stranger, in a parasocial relationship, or addressing an inanimate object of importance to them. Terms of endearment are entirely linguistic in nature. They are usual given either verbally or via text, and body movements can only convey one through sign language.

The term doesn't have to be taken in a flattering way or requited for this concept to apply. With frequent use, a term of endearment may become a catchphrase for the user, or likewise, a nickname for the recipient. The general wordage is not exclusive to expressing endearment, as terms may be used sarcastically or in other mockery.

Terms of endearment are a counterpart (and sometimes are) compliments. While both are a form of praise like, the former is distinguished by being used as a form of address. The opposite concept to this tag is an insult, but there is some overlap.

See also

• bullying — often incorporates insults.
• compliment — the counterpart to terms of endearment.
• dialogue
• talking_to_another
• talking_to_partner
• talking_to_viewer
• dude
• flirting
• honorific
• master
• insult — the opposite of a term of endearment
• insult_of_endearment — an insult with the of a term of endearment.
• praise
• pet_praise
• good_boy
• good_girl
• worship — often incorporates terms of endearment