term of address
How you address
A term of address is a word or phrase used to refer to someone directly in speech or writing: Hey, buddy, Yes, ma'am, Listen here, young lady.
Terms of address include names, titles, kinship terms, and epithets.
They signal relationships and social dynamics—compare Professor Smith with John with sweetheart.
Informal term for companion
Beloved person or pet
- sweetheartAffectionate name for beloved
- dearTreasured or costly
- loveIntense fond attachment
- honeyBees' viscous nectar product
sweetie · babe · baby · beloved · angel · precious · sunshine · pumpkin
Male honorific prefix
Nobleman or ruler
- ladyCourteous term for woman
- dukeHighest-ranking nobleman
- duchessWoman of ducal rank
- marquisNoble above count
marchioness · earl · countess · viscount · baron · baroness · count · knight
Addressed person's moral dignity
- honorableHaving high moral standards
- captainOne who commands
- commanderPerson with authority over others
- justiceFair treatment under law
officer · lieutenant · ambassador · dean · chancellor · governor · senator · commissioner
sir
Formal male address
miss · gentleman · lady · master · mistress · monsieur · madame · señor · señora · sahib
buddy
Informal term for companion
bro · sis · folks · y'all · homie · gals · chum · fella · lads · lass
darling
Beloved person or pet
- sweetheartAffectionate name for beloved
- dearTreasured or costly
- loveIntense fond attachment
honey · sweetie · babe · baby · beloved · angel · precious · sunshine · pumpkin · cutie
Mr.
Male honorific prefix
lord
Nobleman or ruler
marquis · marchioness · earl · countess · viscount · baron · baroness · count · knight · dame
your honor
Addressed person's moral dignity
- honorableHaving high moral standards
- captainOne who commands
- commanderPerson with authority over others
justice · officer · lieutenant · ambassador · dean · chancellor · governor · senator · commissioner · superintendent
term of addressanonymity
Unknown identity state
namelessness · facelessness · stranger · ignoring · silence
term, terms, termed, terming, terminal, terminate, termination, terminology, address