English dictionary

hypocorism Meaning & Definition

/haɪˈpɒ.kəˌɹɪ.zəm/

What Does Hypocorism Mean?

As a noun, hypocorism means A term of endearment, often a diminutive; a pet name. It can also mean The formation of terms of endearment or pet names.

Quick Facts About Hypocorism

Part of speech	noun
Pronunciation	/haɪˈpɒ.kəˌɹɪ.zəm/
Syllables	5
Plural	hypocorisms

Hypocorism Definition (Noun)

A term of endearment, often a diminutive; a pet name.
The formation of terms of endearment or pet names.
Baby talk, such as bow-wow for dog and choo-choo for train.

Synonyms of Hypocorism

The source does not list synonyms for this entry.

Hypocorism synonyms and antonyms →

Word Forms & Grammar

hypocorism (countable and uncountable, plural hypocorisms)

Origin of Hypocorism

Borrowed from Late Latin hypocorisma, a loan from Ancient Greek ὑποκόρισμα (hupokórisma), ὑποκορισμός (hupokorismós, “pet name”), from ὑποκορίζεσθαι (hupokorízesthai), ὑποκορίζομαι (hupokorízomai, “to use a pet name; to act in a childish manner”), from ῠ̔πο- (hŭpo-, prefix indicating a small degree) +‎ κορίζομαι (korízomai, “to caress”) (from κόρος (kóros, “boy; youth”), κόρη (kórē, “girl; young woman”)).[1]

How Do You Say Hypocorism?

Hypocorism is pronounced /haɪˈpɒ.kəˌɹɪ.zəm/ and has 5 syllables, with the main stress on the second syllable (pɒ).