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

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 notes

In 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

Word forms

kiddos plural, kiddoes plural

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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.