kid
HighInformal
Definition
Meaning
A child or young person.
Informal term for child; also means a young goat; as a verb: to joke or tease playfully.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
In informal contexts, 'kid' is the default, neutral word for 'child'. The verb sense is distinct from the noun. Can be used as a term of address for someone younger ('Hey kid').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The noun is equally common in both varieties. The verb ('to kid') is slightly more common in British English as a conversational tag ('You're kidding!').
Connotations
Informal but not disrespectful. Can be affectionate. In formal contexts, 'child' or 'children' is preferred.
Frequency
Extremely high-frequency in spoken English in both regions for the noun sense.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[V] kid somebody (about something)[N] be just a kid[N] have kidsVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “kid gloves (treat with kid gloves)”
- “no kidding”
- “You're kidding!”
- “whiz kid”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in 'whiz kid' (a young, highly skilled person).
Academic
Avoided; 'child', 'children', 'adolescent', 'youth' are standard.
Everyday
The primary, informal word for 'child' in conversation.
Technical
Not used in clinical/legal contexts (use 'child', 'minor', 'juvenile').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- I was only kidding you about the cancelled meeting.
- 'You won the lottery?' 'No, I'm kidding!'
American English
- Don't get mad, I'm just kidding around.
- She kidded him about his new, brightly colored tie.
adverb
British English
- (Not standard; 'kid' is not used as an adverb.)
American English
- (Not standard; 'kid' is not used as an adverb.)
adjective
British English
- She's my kid sister, so I look out for her.
- It's just kid stuff, not worth arguing over.
American English
- He got a lot of kid brother ribbing from his teammates.
- The movie is more for a kid audience.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I have two kids.
- The kids are playing in the park.
- She's just a kid.
- He's a smart kid who loves reading.
- They're having a kid next spring.
- Are you kidding me?
- We treat these delicate negotiations with kid gloves.
- As a kid, I spent every summer at my grandparents' farm.
- He kidded his friend mercilessly about the fashion faux pas.
- The policy shift was handled with kid gloves to avoid public backlash.
- A whiz kid from the tech startup gave an impressive keynote.
- I wasn't offended; I knew he was just pulling my leg and kidding.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a young GOAT (a kid) playing with a CHILD. Both are called 'kid'.
Conceptual Metaphor
CHILDREN ARE YOUNG ANIMALS (from young goat meaning).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'kid' meaning young goat (Russian: 'козлёнок'). The primary English meaning is 'child' (Russian: 'ребёнок', 'дитя').
- The verb 'to kid' means 'to joke', not related to children (Russian: 'шутить', 'разыгрывать').
Common Mistakes
- Using 'kid' in formal writing. *'The study observed 30 kids.' (Incorrect for academic) -> 'The study observed 30 children.'
- Using 'kids' to mean 'adult sons/daughters' can sound informal. 'My kids are visiting' is fine, but 'The farmer's kids inherited the land' is ambiguous (could mean children or adult offspring).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'kid' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is informal but not rude. It is the standard, neutral informal term for 'child' in conversation.
Only if you are significantly older and the context is very informal and potentially affectionate (e.g., an older shopkeeper to a young adult customer). It can be condescending, so use with caution.
'Kid' is informal. 'Child' is standard and neutral, used in all registers from casual to formal and technical.
It means 'I am joking' or 'I am not being serious.' It's used to clarify that a previous statement was meant humorously or as a tease.