deary

American  

[deer-ee] / ˈdɪər i /

Or dearie

noun

Informal: Sometimes Facetious.

plural

dearies

1. darling.

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deary British  

/ ˈdɪərɪ /

noun

1. informal a term of affection: now often sarcastic or facetious

2. an exclamation of surprise or dismay

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Etymology

Origin of deary

First recorded in 1675–85; dear ¹ + -y ²

Example Sentences

It comes when Callas, resplendent even in a bathrobe, glides into the kitchen to sing at Bruna while the poor deary cooks her an omelet.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 27, 2024

Laurie thanked her with a look that made her think in a sudden panic, “Oh, deary me! I know he’ll say something, and then what shall I do?”

From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott

But I’m content, for it’s comin’ to me, my deary, and comin’ quick.

From "Dracula" by Bram Stoker

In the quiet I see my faults, and try to mend them; but, deary me, I don't get on at all.

From Louisa May Alcott : Her Life, Letters, and Journals by Alcott, Louisa May

Eh, lovey, dovey, deary, and is it you, swelley?

From A Woman's Burden by Hume, Fergus