Definition

1. Noun:
   • A child, especially a young one: The word "bairn" refers to a son or daughter, typically a young child. It is a term of endearment and familiarity.

Usage

"Bairn" is a regional word, primarily used in Scotland and Northern England. It is a common, informal term for a child. It is often used in everyday speech and literature from these regions to convey a sense of affection or local character.

Examples

• Noun:
  • She's a bonny bairn. (She is a beautiful child.)
  • He's got three bairns to look after. (He has three children to look after.)
  • The bairn is sleeping soundly. (The child is sleeping soundly.)

Advanced Usage

• "Bairn's play": This is a fixed phrase meaning something very easy or simple, equivalent to "child's play."
  • Fixing this leak is bairn's play for a plumber. (Fixing this leak is child's play for a plumber.)

Variants and Related Words

• Bairnly (adj., archaic): Childlike.
  • He had a bairnly innocence about him. (He had a childlike innocence about him.)

Synonyms

• Child: The standard, neutral term.
• Kid: A common informal term.
• Youngster: A slightly more formal term for a young person.
• Tot: An informal term for a very young child.

Antonyms

• Adult: A fully grown person.
• Grown-up: An informal term for an adult.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "Bairns and fools speak the truth": A Scottish proverb suggesting that children and simple people are often honest because they do not know how to lie or dissemble.
  • Don't be offended by his blunt comment; remember, bairns and fools speak the truth. (Don't be offended by his blunt comment; remember, children and fools speak the truth.)

Noun

1. a child: son or daughter