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Dad, auntie, nana, grandpa, etc... What is this group of words used as informal family nicknames called?

English Language & Usage Asked by Babika Babaka on May 10, 2021

When explaining to someone learning French when one has to use vous (the “formal
you” pronoun) or tu (the “informal you” pronoun), there is a basic rule of thumb I
find useful:

  • Vous — Used when speaking to people you usually call by their last
    name, title, or occupation.

    for example: Ms Smith, Sir, Doctor, Officer…

  • Tu — Used when speaking to people you usually call by their first
    name, nickname, or [? some word or phrase meaning informal/familiar family nickname
    ?].

    for example: Georges, G-dog, Grandpa…

I’m trying to find a word or short phrase to describe “family nicknames”
like Dad, Nana, etc., preferably one that doesn’t include the more formal
versions like Father, Grandmother, etc.

5 Answers

terms of endearment (also includes sweetie-pie, cupcake, turtledove and the like)

Answered by James on May 10, 2021

Dad, being an informal word for “father”? So the collective term you are looking for is “Informal Addresses” of Family Members?

Answered by viclauhk on May 10, 2021

Mom, Dad, Nana, Opa, etc., are informal names for family members to be used when speaking to someone you know well (call by their first names).

Mother, Father, Grandmother, Grandfather, etc., are formal names for family members to be used when speaking to someone you know formally (call Mr./Ms. Last-Name).

https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Nana

Edit: Informal Familial Titles (What is this group of words used as informal family nicknames called?) as explained above.

Answered by alrausch on May 10, 2021

Relational Colloquialisms

This is based on how we define & use the term 'colloquial' - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colloquialism

Answered by Joel Elancelvan on May 10, 2021

They are kinship terms (or kinship words).

This special class may overlap with what are known as terms of endearment: those words we use to address people for which we feel affection.

Answered by Chris on May 10, 2021

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