kiddies

Kiddies is an informal plural noun used to refer to children. It is typically employed as affectionate or playful language, especially by adults when speaking to or about young people. The term is common in casual conversation, family settings, and media or marketing aimed at children.

Etymology: Kiddies is derived from kid, a colloquial term for a child, plus the diminutive suffix -ie, producing forms such as kiddie and kiddies. The plural -s or -ies is added following English spelling conventions. The sense is generally lighthearted and child-focused.

Usage and connotations: In formal writing or official contexts, children or kids is preferred over kiddies. The term can be perceived as affectionate, cute, or infantilizing, depending on context and tone. It is commonly used for branding, entertainment, or activities aimed at young audiences, such as kiddies' play areas, parties, or programming blocks.

See also: child, children, child-directed language, infantilization, terms of endearment.