my dear
Tender spoken endearment
My dear is a term of affection or familiar address, used between intimates or by an older person to a younger one: My dear, you look exhausted.
It can also carry a patronizing or condescending edge, particularly when directed at someone perceived as naive: My dear boy, that's not how the world works.
The tone—warm or dismissive—depends entirely on context and delivery.
- babeAffectionate partner name
- belovedOne who is treasured
- darlingBeloved person or pet
- cutieAppealing person, slangily
- honeyBees' viscous nectar product
sweetheart · soulmate · partner · patronizing · spouse · sarcasm · friend · condescending · protégé · old boy · epistolary · dialogue · salutation · Dickensian · sugar · angel · affection · confidant