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DictionarykiddoAffectionate address
noun

kiddo

KID-oh/ˈkɪdəʊ/

An affectionate term for a child or younger person.

You make me proud, kiddo, every time you try again.

A grandfather affectionately ruffles a young girl's hair as they sit together tying her sneakers, warm familiar adult-child relationship.
Etymology
kiddEnglishchild
+oEnglishcolloquial or slang ending

Kid already meant “child” when the slang ending -o made it into a familiar form. The ending changes the tone rather than naming a different kind of child.

In context

Tarifs Omni ShiyeetPosting0:00
hey kiddo let mom and dad talk for a minute will you
hey kiddo let mom and dad talk for a minute will ya

More examples

  • Hang on, kiddo—we're almost home.
  • Our kiddos love helping us bake cookies.
  • I save a seat beside me for my favorite kiddo.

Forms

kiddo · kiddos

kid noun — A child or a young person.

Similar words

youngster
Refers to a young person without necessarily expressing affection.
child
Names a young person without the affectionate, conversational tone.