dearie
nounAU, UK /ˈdɪəɹi/ · US /ˈdɪɚi/
Etymology From dear + -ie.
1
Colloquial, Term of address A person who is dear; sweetie.
- What a scare you gave me, dearie.1923, Ernest Bramah [pseudonym; Ernest Brammah Smith], “(please specify the page)”, in The Eyes of Max Carrados, London: Grant Richards, →OCLC:
- At the mention of money Mrs Dibble was overcome with great debility, and wheezed, "I don't feel up to talking about money, matters just now, dearie. I think I better have a bit of a doze."1950, Norman Lindsay, Dust or Polish?, Sydney: Angus and Robertson, page 43: