kiddo

American  

[kid-oh] / ˈkɪd oʊ /

noun

plural

kiddos, kiddoes

1. Informal. (used as a familiar form of address.)

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Usage

What does kiddo mean? Kiddo is an informal way to refer to or address a child or a person who’s younger than the speaker. It can be used for a person of any gender.It's typically intended to imply familiarity or affection. It's especially used as a familiar way to address one's own child or grandchild.Kiddo is most often used in greetings or friendly speech, as in Hey there, kiddo or We’ll get ’em next time, kiddo.    Kiddo is also often used as a more informal synonym for kid, as in Grandpa is spending time with the kiddos down at the lake. Kiddo can sometimes be used to imply that a person is inexperienced or lacks wisdom, as in Look, kiddo, leave this one to the professionals.Example: Are you ready for the trip to Disneyland with your dad, kiddo?

Etymology

Origin of kiddo

First recorded in 1880–85; kid ¹ + -o

Example Sentences

Ozzy the Younger is Jack’s kiddo No. 5 after the media personality welcomed three daughters with entrepreneur ex-wife Lisa Stelly and a fourth with current wife Aree Osbourne, née Gearhardt, an interior designer.

From Los Angeles Times

“Thanks, kiddo. I appreciate that. And I’m sorry your babysitting job got cut short.”

From Literature

"Hey, kiddo," said his father, handing over the animal.

From Literature

“It’s great to see you, kiddo.”

From Literature

“Here’s the thing, kiddo,” Babs says.

From Literature