hypocoristic Hear it!

hypocoristic Definition

hypo·co·ris·tic (hī′pō kə ris′tik, hip′ō-)

adjective

of or being a pet name or a diminutive or term of endearment

Etymology: < Gr hypokoristikos < hypokorizesthai, to call by endearing names < hypo- (see hypo-) + korizesthai, to pet < korē, girl < IE base *er-, to grow > cereal

hypocoristic Related Forms
hy·poc′o·rism′ (hī päk′ə riz′əm) noun