21 Old-Fashioned Terms of Endearment and Their Charming Definitions

"Dear heart" is an old-fashioned term of endearment that means the equivalent of "my love" or "my dear." It's more commonly used by older folks when speaking directly to a significant other or loved one. For example, one might say, "thank you, dear heart," when someone engages in an act of kindness.

According to Etymonline, "sugarplum" has been around since the early 1600s and is similar to calling someone "honey" or "sweetheart." Plus, if your loved one is a fan of The Nutcracker, they'll recognize it from "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy."

"Beloved" is an old-fashioned term of endearment, used to express fondness towards someone and has roots back to some of William Shakespeare's popular sonnets. It sounds poetic in nature and is perfect for those anniversary and birthday cards where you want to express your love and care for someone.

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"Lovey" is a more playful, casual twist on "my love" when it comes to terms of endearment. You'll often hear people say "Hi lovey" or "Good night lovey" when speaking to a partner or significant other. Fun fact: "Gilligan's Island" fans may recognize the name from the character Lovey Howell on the show.

This is a term used more with children and younger people oftentimes by parents and caregivers. It's short, sweet and to the point and many people respond well to it because it's lighthearted and fun. "Hi pumpkin" can often be heard coming from Gen X parents to their young children and has been dated back to the early 1800s, according to Merriam-Webster.

You may be familiar with the phrase "cheer up, buttercup" being told to those who are sad or upset. Aside from being used as a term of endearment, a buttercup is a bright yellow wildflower which can be correlated to one being sweet, jubilant and bright in spirit.

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The term "cherub" comes from the Greek term 'kheroub' meaning "winged angel" according to Etymonline. These figures are often seen in Renaissance artwork as tiny, winged babies with arrows and are viewed as endearing. When using it as a term of endearment, it might sound something like, "you're my sweet cherub."

It's likely you've heard "sunshine" being used as a term of endearment since childhood since it's found in the popular song "You Are My Sunshine," typically sung to children before bedtime. It has warm and positive undertones and generally makes one feel happy and loved when they are called sunshine. In some cases, one may even radiate a bright energy like the sun.

If someone calls you "lovebug" it is typically endearing unlike those annoying lovebugs that come out in the spring. This term is usually given towards someone who is lovable and affectionate. If you're a fan of the Jonas Brothers, you may be familiar with their classic song "Lovebug" too.

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"Come here, sweet pea" is a phrase that's been used throughout generations, especially towards kids in a school setting. It is inspired by the sweet pea flower, which is typically a vibrant color and provokes positive feelings in those who hear it.

"Poppet" has English origins and is a term of affection generally directed towards babies and children that you love. In terms of using it in everyday life, you could use it toward a baby who is crying to comfort them by saying, "Oh, you poor poppet."

Similar to "pumpkin" and "sunshine," "precious" is another old-fashioned term of endearment that people use towards a loved one or significant other. "Hi precious," or "Good morning, precious," are two common phrases that people say with this word. Plus, you may even recognize it from Gollum's character in "The Lord of the Rings."

"Doll" is typically used when addressing someone, oftentimes a woman, who is deemed as attractive or charming. Its meaning is similar to that of "honey" and "sweetie" and is more old school. Another take on this term is "doll face" which just adds an extra word and makes it a bit more old school.

As the term suggests, when someone calls you "angel face" it means that you have the face of an angel — beautiful and attractive. It's often used in the context of flirting via text message or social media since it's a bit flirty in essence.

Of English origin, "blossom" is typically directed towards innocent and sweet baby girls by parents and caregivers. For example, "sleep tight, my blossom" or "you're my little blossom," similar to "pumpkin" and "honey."

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This southern old-fashioned term of endearment is a take on the classic sweetiepie. Those referred to as "sugarpie" are typically viewed as sweet and lovable by loved ones. Next time your significant other comes home from work and you feel like being playful, throw out a "Hi sugarpie" and see what the response is like.

"Dumpling" is another phrase that people usually say when referring to babies who are more plump and have those cute chubby cheeks. It's used less in reference to adults but sometimes you'll notice those in relationships say it to one another.

"Chickabiddy" is used less frequently these days but sometimes you'll hear it between parents and children and those in romantic relationships. "Chickabiddy" has a playful and lighthearted ring to it and is present in Emma Kallok's "The Diary of Chickabiddy Baby."

"Babe," short for baby, has been around for generations and is used frequently in modern day society by those in romantic relationships. Most people find "babe" to be endearing while others think it can be a bit corny but it depends on who you ask.

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"Honey" is a classic term of endearment that has English origins and is frequently used between parents and children and those in romantic relationships. Like honey itself, it is directed towards those who are considered sweet and loved. Some ways you'll hear this used in conversation include: "Come here, honey," or "Hi, honey," to name a few.