sonny

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   an informal, often affectionate form of address to a boy or younger man

   Come along, sonny, and I'll show you where the tools are kept.

2. 2
   noun

   a patronizing or warning form of address to a male regarded as younger or less experienced

   Listen here, sonny, you cannot speak to the staff that way.

An affectionate or familiar formation from son with the diminutive suffix -y. Depending on tone and context, the same form of address can sound warm, patronizing, or threatening.

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