hypocorism
- n a name of endearment (especially one using a diminutive suffix)
`Billy' is a hypocorism for `William'
- Chief victims of adult hypocorism: 1) children, 2) pets, 3) lovers, 4) readers of advertising.
- President Jimmy Carter has institutionalized his hypocorism with determination and skill, thus becoming the first President in history to get away with official use of a nickname.