Kikkertje

Kikkertje is a Dutch term meaning "little frog." It is a diminutive form of kikker (frog) used to refer to small frogs or tadpoles in everyday language. In standard Dutch, the common diminutive for kikker is kikkertje, while kikkertje appears primarily in informal speech and dialects.

Etymology and spelling: The Dutch diminutive suffix -tje marks smallness or affection. For stems like kikker, casual speech yields variants such as kikkertje; more formal or widely used spelling tends to be kikkertje. Both forms convey the same basic meaning: a small or endearing frog.

Usage: Literally, kikkertje can describe a small frog observed in nature, gardens, or ponds. Metaphorically, it functions as a playful or affectionate nickname for children, pets, or friends. The word also appears in children's language and in light-hearted writing to evoke a sense of cuteness.

See also: kikker, kikkertje, Dutch diminutive suffix -tje.