25 March 2016

hypocoristic

[hahy-puh-kuh-ris-tik, hip-uh-]

adjective

1. endearing, as a pet name, diminutive, or euphemism.

2. shortening of words as in slang, e.g. totes for total, evs for whatever, arvo for afternoon.

Origin of hypocoristic

Greek

1600-1610; < Greek hypokoristikós diminutive, equivalent to hypokor (ízesthai) to play the child, call by endearing names ( hypo- hypo- + kor- child (Compare kórē girl, kóros boy)) + -istikos -istic

Related forms

hypocoristically, adverb

Dictionary.com

Examples

Besides phonetic and morphological arbitrariness, there is an unpredictable element in the semantics of hypocoristic forms, at least in Australia.
VERBATIM: The Language Quarterly Vol VII No 2

Perhaps what all hypocoristic forms have in common is an atmosphere of familiarity.
VERBATIM: The Language Quarterly Vol VII No 2

Story on hypocoristics:
http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/drive/using-aussie-slang-makes-you-more-likeable/7275290

Anagram

chicory posits
choir copyists
or I psychotics
hit spy sirocco

Today’s quote

I may be no better, but at least I am different.

– Jean-Jacques Rousseau

On this day

25 March 1947 – birth of Elton John (Reginald Dwight), British singer-songwriter.

25 March 1957 – the Treaty of Rome is signed by France, West Germany, Holland, Belgium, Italy and Luxembourg, establishing the European Economic Community (EEC). In 1993, following the ratification of the Maastricht Treaty, the EEC became known as the European Community (EC).