I've noticed recently that more and more people are using the word "kiddo" to refer to their children. Someone at work said her "kiddos" were sick, my daughter just said her "kiddos" weren't in the picture, etc.

I have hardly used that word before and now it seems to be in common use. Have you heard it used more commonly?

Not to refer to actual kids. Only as a term used to adults，if you know what I mean, kiddo.

We refer to the children as "kids" and the grandchildren as "kidlets."

Are the children of jabberwocks giblets?

Does one now refer to infant goats as children?

Does anyone use a Kindle to start a fire?

As Humphrey Bogart said when he dumped his British currency, "Here's looking at you, quid."

In the US, "kiddos" refers to children and not adults. It is just a term that is used more and more.

I do kinda like "kidlets" though.

quote:

Originally posted by Kalleh:
In the US, "kiddos" refers to children and not adults.

Have you never watched any old gangster movies?

I work with tots & haven't heard this yet. Perhaps it's coming west to east like the weather.

We watch a lot of old movies. I'm always surprised by male characters calling young good-looking women "kids" even tho it had been slang for children since late 16thC! Reminds me of the way hip-hop slang "shorty" has evolved.

quote:

Originally posted by bethree5:
Reminds me of the way hip-hop slang "shorty" has evolved.

Since I don't pay attention to anything that's hip or that hops since the days of Hopalong Cassidy, could you explain this to me? I was under the impression that "shorty" was a small bottle of beer.

Me, too, Geoff. I'd love to know, too.