hypocoristic

[ hahy-puh-kuh-ris-tik, hip-uh- ]
/ ˌhaɪ pə kəˈrɪs tɪk, ˌhɪp ə- /

adjective

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

Origin of hypocoristic

1600–10; < 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

OTHER WORDS FROM hypocoristic

hy·po·co·ris·ti·cal·ly, adverb