noun
kiddo
KIH-doh
Kiddo (noun) means an informal, friendly way to address a child or a younger person, often used affectionately even with adults. Example: “Nice job out there, kiddo.”
noun
1
An informal, friendly way to address a child or a younger person, often used affectionately even with adults.
"Nice job out there, kiddo."
"Hang in there, kiddo, it gets easier."
How to use kiddo
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA warm, casual way to call someone "kid," often used between friends or by an older person to a younger one.
When to use it
Very informal and affectionate — common in spoken English, rare in formal writing.
Common pairings
hey kiddo
good job, kiddo
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Word forms
- Plural
- kiddos, kiddoes
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Nice job out there, _____.
Etymology
From "kid" + the informal suffix "-o," found in similar casual coinages like "cheerio."
Frequently asked questions
What does “kiddo” mean?
The word “kiddo” means an informal, friendly way to address a child or a younger person, often used affectionately even with adults. In plain terms, a warm, casual way to call someone "kid," often used between friends or by an older person to a younger one.
How do you pronounce “kiddo”?
“Kiddo” is pronounced KIH-doh (/ˈkɪdoʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “kiddo” in a sentence?
Here is “kiddo” used in a sentence: “Nice job out there, kiddo.”
What part of speech is “kiddo”?
“Kiddo” is a noun.
