darling
B1Informal, affectionate; can be formal in specific contexts like "darling of the critics".
Definition
Meaning
A person who is dearly loved; a favourite.
Used as an affectionate form of address. Also, a person regarded with particular favour by a group or in a specific context (e.g., the darling of the fashion world).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a term of endearment. When used attributively (e.g., darling daughter), it expresses fondness. The extended sense (darling of X) often implies popular approval but can carry a hint of fleeting favour.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
As a term of address, used similarly. In UK, can be used by service staff (e.g., in a cafe) to customers, which may be seen as overly familiar or regional. In US, this is less common.
Connotations
In both, highly affectionate. In UK, public use between adults can sound slightly old-fashioned or upper-class. In US, may be perceived as slightly Southern or quaint in some contexts.
Frequency
High frequency in personal contexts in both varieties. The extended metaphorical use (darling of...) is equally common in journalism/writing.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[term of address]: Hello, darling.[be + N]: She is a darling.[darling of + NP]: He was the darling of the media.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Darling bud (of May) – literary reference from Shakespeare.”
- “The darling of fortune – a lucky person.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in metaphorical use: 'the darling of the stock market'.
Academic
Rare, except in literary/cultural analysis.
Everyday
Very common as a term of endearment for family, partners, close friends.
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Not standard as a verb.
American English
- Not standard as a verb.
adverb
British English
- Not standard as an adverb.
American English
- Not standard as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- Their darling daughter just started university.
- He's the darling boy of British tennis.
American English
- She's my darling granddaughter.
- The director's darling project finally got funding.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Goodnight, darling.
- My cat is a little darling.
- Would you like a cup of tea, darling?
- Their new baby is an absolute darling.
- The young actress quickly became the darling of Hollywood.
- He may be a darling of the media, but his policies are controversial.
- The minister, once the darling of the party's left wing, now finds herself isolated.
- His darling reforms were ultimately rejected by the committee.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a STAR you LOVE – your DARLING is your 'dar-star-ling'.
Conceptual Metaphor
AFFECTION IS VALUE (darling as a precious thing). POPULAR APPROVAL IS AFFECTION (darling of the crowd).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation of 'дорогой/дорогая' in formal letters; use 'Dear...' not 'Darling...'.
- Russian 'душенька' is similarly intimate but 'darling' has wider, sometimes ironic, application (e.g., 'the darling of the press').
Common Mistakes
- Overusing as a term of address with strangers. *'Excuse me, darling, where is the milk?' (potentially offensive).
- Using in very formal written correspondence: *'Dear Mr Smith, Darling...'
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'darling' LEAST likely to be appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it can be used for anyone regardless of gender, both as a term of address and descriptively.
It can be, as it assumes intimacy. It is highly context-dependent and can be seen as patronising, sexist, or overly familiar. Best avoided with strangers.
'Darling' is generally more intimate and emotionally loaded. 'Dear' is more versatile, used in both affectionate contexts and formal openings (Dear Sir).
Yes, frequently. For example, 'Oh darling, you didn't!' to express mock horror or sarcasm about someone's mistake.