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sweetheart

What does sweetheart mean?

A term of endearment for a romantic partner or dear person, and a familiar form of address.

"'Goodnight, sweetheart,' she whispered."

Origin

Traceable to the 13th century, from Middle English 'swete hert' (sweet heart).

Frequently asked questions

What does sweetheart mean?
It's a tender term of endearment for a romantic partner or dear person, and a familiar, affectionate way to address someone.
How old is the word sweetheart?
It traces back to the 13th century, from Middle English 'swete hert', meaning 'sweet heart'.
Can sweetheart be used for non-romantic people?
Yes, it's often used warmly for friends, children or as a kindly address, not only for romantic partners.
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Slang definitions: FreeDict original editorial.