Sonny: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ‘ฆ
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sonny

 

[ หˆsสŒni ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

informal term

The term 'sonny' is an informal way of addressing a young boy or son. It is often used in a familiar, affectionate, or sometimes condescending manner. The word conveys a sense of endearment, and is commonly used by older individuals when speaking to younger males. It can imply care or authority depending on the context. In conversations, 'sonny' might be used to grab attention or to embellish a story with a personal touch.

Synonyms

boy, kid, son

Examples of usage

  • Hey, sonny, come here for a minute.
  • Listen up, sonny, this is important.
  • That was a great catch, sonny!
  • You did a good job today, sonny.

Translations

Translations of the word "sonny" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น filho

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฌเฅ‡เคŸเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Sohn

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ anak laki-laki

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัะธะฝ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ syn

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๆฏๅญ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท fils

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ hijo

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท oฤŸul

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์•„๋“ค

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุงุจู†

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ syn

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ syn

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅ„ฟๅญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ sin

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ sonur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ าฑะปั‹

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒจแƒ•แƒ˜แƒšแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ oฤŸul

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ hijo

Etymology

The word 'sonny' is a diminutive form derived from 'son,' which has its origins in Old English 'sunu,' meaning 'son' or 'child.' Over time, the diminutive 'sonny' emerged, likely influenced by similar formations in other languages and cultures that use affectionate suffixes. It gained popularity in the early 20th century, especially in American English, as a colloquial way for adults to refer to young boys. The term carries with it a sense of familiarity and is often employed in familial or community settings. Its usage reflects social hierarchies, where older individuals engage with younger ones in a paternalistic or mentoring manner. Additionally, 'sonny' has been featured in various forms of media, contributing to its continued presence in everyday language.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,080 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.