Why Do We Use Cringey Words for Loved Ones? | Otherwords

From "kitty" to "lovebug," people across the world use very similar type of words for the people they love. What's behind this universal linguistic trend?

Otherwords is a PBS web series on Storied that digs deep into this quintessential human trait of language and finds the fascinating, thought-provoking, and funny stories behind the words and sounds we take for granted. Incorporating the fields of biology, history, cultural studies, literature, and more, linguistics has something for everyone and offers a unique perspective on what it means to be human.

Host: Erica Brozovsky, Ph.D.
Director/Producer: Siyi Chen
Creators/Producers: Andrew Matthews & Katie Graham
Writer: Taylor Behnke
Editor/Animation: Andrew Matthews
Executive Producer: Amanda Fox
Fact Checker: Yvonne McGreevy

Executive in Charge for PBS: Maribel Lopez
Director of Programming for PBS: Gabrielle Ewing
Assistant Director of Programming for PBS: John Campbell

Original Production Funding provided by Anne Ray Foundation

Stock Images from Shutterstock
Music from APM Music
Otherwords is a production of Spotzen for PBS Digital Studios.
© 2024 PBS. All rights reserved.

sources:

[Case]

When my son was a toddler, I used to call him my “Tiny Baby”. This shifted to “Tiny Baby Man” as he got a little older. One day, when he was about 10, he told me “That’s MISTER Tiny Baby Man to you.”
So now he’s Mr Tinybabyman.

[Hallows]

Love that multiple languages were featured. It’s remarkable how common patterns are across cultures.

[thomasparker]

"Significant Otter" is my favourite.

[haltarys]

In French, we sometimes use "ma puce" to affectionately refer to a little girl or a daughter. It literally translates to "my flea."

[amberf]

My name is Amber and my six year old son often calls me his "precious jewel". Mind you he also called me his "favourite butt cheek" the other day, which is somewhat less flattering

[LittleBitVic]

When I had to use a wheelchair in high school, my Spanish teacher called me "princesa" because I took my "throne" with me wherever I went. The nickname stuck around for years whenever we'd run into each other even after I recovered enough to leave my "throne" behind. People couldn't figure out if it was favoritism or a sarcastic diss.

[CarefulWithThatAx]

I love how putting Dr. B in a cat cafe brought out a little bit of cutesy-voice in her presentation. Absolutely apropos for the episode 💜

[TomemosUnaCerveza]

I call my wife 'Damisela', spanish for 'Damsel'. She calls me 'Damiselo', literally 'Male Damsel'. Lol

[lazlohiggins]

I absolutely loved the production on this one! Having Erica on sets and out in the world, rather than just against a green screen, brings a lot of dynamism to the video that really elevates it. It comes across with a lot of playfulness (not just because of the kitties!) due to the varying backdrops and the wardrobe changes. I super loved what was done here and want to give a hearty thanks and congrats on all the hard work everyone put in to make this happen!

I'm sure this kind of thing can't happen with every video, but I still wanted to share how awesome I thought it was and I would definitely be excited to see it happen more in the future!

[thelocalstumbler]

Dr Brozovsky is such a lovely linguist and host. The best word wizard there is!

[coraliepython]

Mine came from a lame pickup line I used to make him laugh... Everybody carries their cross.

[trevorbennett]

Loved the "in the streets" cuts. It's awesome when you to describe linguistics from around the world, hearing first hand accounts is that much better. :)

[CinePenguin]

Love how you incorporated more languages than just English

[Elizabeth-tqqw]

The change to include cats, plants, and quick on-the-street interviews was a huge bonus to the production value and the topic!

[david.mcmahan]

Meanwhile, in the Southern U.S., a complete stranger might call you "sugar" or "honey".

[TenshiHimei]

My parents chose "petit poussin en or" for me, which roughly translates to "golden baby chick" lol.

It's so interesting to know that languages/cultures around the world love cute, small and expensive things so much they want to name the people who are important in their life after them!

Also, the production on this video is chef's kiss! 10/10

[Myself-yfdo]

The Morse Code on the banner in the intro stands for PBS...nice touch.

[RaccoonHenry]

the interviews are so wholesome and add SO MUCH to this particular video! let me tell you about my dog, Renard - named after the Fox from The Little Prince, by the way. I used to call him Ponnpi, a corruption of pompi, the mexican way of saying buttcheek because, well, he liked being scratched in the buttcheek. he sometimes responded more eagerly to being called Ponnpi than his own name... he was a good boy

[keiththorpe]

Our parents' pet names for my sisters and me were tinged with a patina of bitterness.
My older sister Valarie was called "The Accident"
Me and my younger sister Shannon were called "The Other Two Accidents."

My homelife was so warm and loving.

[rachelfoote]

I have a friend who calls me "sweetie, " "sweetheart, " "kiddo, " etc. We are not and never have been romantically involved, but it still makes me feel loved, and, specifically, cared for. There's a sense of protection that I think can come from a pet name, too. Reinforcing our social connections can bring a sense of security.