hypocoristic

English dictionary entry

Meanings

adj
  1. Relating to a nickname, usually indicating intimacy with the person.
  2. Relating to baby talk.
noun
  1. A nickname, especially one indicating intimacy and formed through a shortening of the original name.

Pronunciation

/ˌhaɪ.pə.kəˈɹɪs.tɪk/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-hypocoristic.wav

Word forms

hypocoristic more hypocoristic most hypocoristic hypocoristics

Etymology

From Ancient Greek ὑποκοριστικός (hupokoristikós), from ὑποκορίζομαι (hupokorízomai, “to speak in the language of children”), from ὑπό (hupó, “below”) + κορίζομαι (korízomai, “to act like a girl”), from κόρη (kórē, “girl”).

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