It’s now been a few times where an older adult (maybe 50+ years old) has called me “endearing”, i always associated this term with children, but i am fully grown adult. Is there something i’m doing wrong? Why are people using a term for children for adults?

Edit: ok thanks everyone, apparently there’s a misunderstanding on my part and this word can be used for adults

  • kite@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    25
    ·
    11 months ago

    This has never been term meant just for children, where did you even get that from?

  • Virtual Insanity @lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    15
    ·
    11 months ago

    Webster dictionary…

    ‘arousing feelings of affection or admiration’

    I’ve never considered the term to be only for children.

  • MrJameGumb@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    12
    ·
    11 months ago

    I have never heard anyone refer to a child as “endearing”

    I’m sure it’s happened somewhere, but I don’t think that’s a common tbing

  • Today@lemm.ee
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    7
    ·
    11 months ago

    I think of endearing as nice, kind, pleasant to be around, also being well-mannered. Like if someone visits my home and they leave the last piece of pizza for another guest, or carries their own glass to the kitchen, or brings a bottle of wine, or asks how others are doing before sharing their own stories.

    • Pat12@lemmy.worldOP
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      1
      ·
      11 months ago

      are women often referred to as “endearing”? i’d always thought this was a term people use for small kids

        • AA5B@lemmy.world
          link
          fedilink
          arrow-up
          1
          ·
          11 months ago

          Weird. I always heard of it as someone you just immediately like. It’s strange how the same word can have such totally different meanings to people