daddy
DAD-ee
Daddy (noun) means a father, especially as used by young children or in affectionate address. Example: “The toddler ran to greet her daddy at the door.”
noun
1
A father, especially as used by young children or in affectionate address.
"The toddler ran to greet her daddy at the door."
"Daddy, can you read me another story before bed?"
"My little brother falls asleep on daddy's shoulder every evening."
2
Slang: an attractive or dominant older man, often used as a term of admiration or address.
"Fans in the comments jokingly called the actor "daddy.""
"Rock 'n' roll is cool, daddy, and you know it!"
How to use daddy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA childlike or affectionate word for "father" — and, in modern slang, a term for an attractive or dominant man.
When to use it
The "father" sense is warm and informal; the slang sense is very casual internet/pop-culture usage and can carry a flirtatious or ironic tone.
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Word forms
- Plural
- daddies
- Third person singular
- daddies
- Past tense
- daddied
- Comparative
- daddier
- Superlative
- daddiest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The toddler ran to greet her _____ at the door.
Etymology
From "dad" plus the diminutive suffix "-y," originally a childish, affectionate form.
Related words
Rhymes for daddy
See all rhymes for daddy →Frequently asked questions
What does “daddy” mean?
The word “daddy” means a father, especially as used by young children or in affectionate address. In plain terms, a childlike or affectionate word for "father" — and, in modern slang, a term for an attractive or dominant man.
How do you pronounce “daddy”?
“Daddy” is pronounced DAD-ee (/ˈdæd.i/ in IPA).
How do you use “daddy” in a sentence?
Here is “daddy” used in a sentence: “The toddler ran to greet her daddy at the door.”
What part of speech is “daddy”?
“Daddy” is a noun.
Is “daddy” a common word?
“Daddy” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “daddy” have?
“Daddy” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a father, especially as used by young children or in affectionate address.
What is the difference between daddy and dad?
Both are informal words for a father, but "daddy" is more childlike and affectionate, used mostly by young children or within close families. "Dad" is the neutral informal choice for speakers of any age, while "father" is the formal option.
When should you use daddy instead of father?
"Daddy" suits intimate, affectionate contexts, such as a small child addressing a parent, and it can sound overly childish outside the family. In writing, formal speech, or when referring to someone else's parent, "dad" or "father" is the safer choice.
Is daddy used as slang for something other than a father?
Yes. In slang, "daddy" can refer to an attractive or dominant older man and is used as a term of admiration or address. This use is very informal and context-dependent, so it is best avoided in professional or formal settings.
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