hīˈpäkəˌrizəm, hə̇ˈ-; ˌhīpəˈkōrˌizəm, ˌhip- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Late Latin hypocorisma diminutive (n.), from Greek hypokorisma endearing name, from hypokorizesthai to call by endearing names, from hypo- + korizesthai to caress (from koros boy, korē girl) — more at crescent
1. : a pet name or term of endearment
2. : the formation or use of pet names
hypocorism is the frequent practice of fond parents
3. : baby talk 1b
hypocorism is hardly in keeping with human dignity — A.W.Read