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puppy love

What does puppy love mean?

A tender but usually short-lived romantic affection, especially between the very young.

"Their middle-school romance was just puppy love."

Origin

Coined in the 19th century, likening youthful infatuation to a puppy's affection.

Frequently asked questions

What does puppy love mean?
It's a tender but usually short-lived romantic infatuation, especially between very young people.
Why is it called puppy love?
It was coined in the 19th century, likening youthful, innocent infatuation to the eager affection of a puppy.
Is puppy love an insult?
It can sound dismissive, implying the feelings are immature or fleeting, but it's often used affectionately or nostalgically.
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Slang definitions: FreeDict original editorial.