Kiddies

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Young children, often referred to in an affectionate or informal manner
2. a term used to describe playful or innocent minors who are typically in their early years
3. an informal expression for toddlers or youngsters engaged in playful activities

Etymology: "Kiddies" is the plural of "kiddie," which is formed by adding the diminutive suffix "-ie" to "kid." The suffix has a long pedigree in English: it descends from an Old English ending "-iġ" that was used to form pet names and small-scale words, and it survives in forms like "Johnnie" and "doggie." Its spelling changed over the centuries, from the Middle English "-y" to the "-ie" we see today. "Kid" itself is the older and more basic word, with its own roots in Germanic. Adding "-ie" to it creates a familiar, affectionate version of the noun, so "kiddies" pictures a whole group of young children addressed with warmth rather than formality.

Synonyms: children, kids

Antonyms: adults