Definition

Noun: 1. A male child: A familiar, often affectionate, term of address for a boy or young man. It is typically used by an older person speaking to a younger one.

Usage

This word is used as a vocative (a form of direct address) to a boy. It conveys a tone that is familiar and can range from affectionate to condescending, depending on the context and speaker's tone of voice. * It is informal and somewhat old-fashioned. * It is commonly used by parents, grandparents, or other older adults.

Examples

• Noun (as a form of address):
  • "Come here, sonny boy, and help me with this bag." (Affectionate, from an older person)
  • "Listen, sonny boy, you don't know what you're talking about." (Potentially condescending or dismissive)
  • His grandfather smiled and said, "You did a good job, sonny boy."

Advanced Usage

• The term can sometimes be used ironically or sarcastically by one adult to another to imply the person being addressed is acting childishly or is inexperienced.
  • "Okay, sonny boy, you think you can run this company better than me?"

Variants and Related Words

• Sonny: A shortened, more common form with identical meaning and usage.
  • "Watch where you're going, sonny!"
• Lad: Another informal term for a boy or young man (more common in British English).
• Young man: A slightly more formal term of address for a boy.

Synonyms

• Boy
• Lad
• Kid (informal)
• Youngster

Antonyms

• (As a term of address for an older male): Sir, mister, old-timer.

Noun

1. a male child (a familiar term of address to a boy)