ducky
/'dʌki/
Definition
- Noun:
- A special loved one; a darling or dear: An affectionate term for someone who is cherished or adored, often used as a term of endearment.
- (Informal, dated) Something excellent or pleasing: Used to describe something considered delightful or satisfactory.
Usage Examples
- Noun (Term of endearment):
- "Goodnight, my ducky," she whispered to her child.
- He sent a card signed, "To my little ducky."
- Noun (Something pleasing):
- "This new arrangement is just ducky," she said with a smile. (Note: This usage is now quite dated.)
Advanced Usage
- The word is informal and was more common in mid-20th-century English. Its use as a general adjective meaning "fine" or "good" (e.g., "Everything is ducky") is now considered old-fashioned and can sound affected or ironic.
Variants and Related Words
- Duck (n): While "duck" can also be a term of endearment (e.g., "Hello, duck"), it is etymologically related but used differently. "Ducky" is a distinct, derived form.
- Duckie: An alternative, less common spelling.
Synonyms
- Darling: A very beloved person.
- Sweetheart: A person one loves.
- Dear: A loved or cherished person.
- Pet: A term of endearment.
- (For the dated 'pleasing' sense): Fine, splendid, peachy.
Antonyms
- (For the 'loved one' sense): Enemy, foe, stranger.
- (For the 'pleasing' sense): Awful, terrible, unsatisfactory.
Notes on Usage
- "Ducky" is primarily used as a noun for a loved one. Its use as an adjective is largely archaic and may be encountered in historical contexts or used for humorous, retro effect. It is not commonly used in modern, formal English.
Noun
-
a special loved one
