baby

1. A term of endearment for one's lover or romantic partner. Don't be upset with me, baby—I didn't mean what I said! Aww, thanks, baby. This is exactly what I wanted for Valentine's Day! Baby! This is a pleasant surprise—what are you doing home so early?

2. A jocular term of endearment for one's friend. C'mon, baby, help me load these boxes into the truck. Hey, baby, pass the salt, will ya? Good to see you, baby! How've you been?

3. A term of address for someone, especially a woman, that one thinks is attractive. Used especially when trying to initiate a sexual or romantic encounter. Hey, baby, can I buy you a drink? If a guy comes up to me and calls me "baby," it's an instant turn-off. A: "You're looking fine tonight, baby." B: "Ugh, get lost."

4. A term of endearment for something that one owns and is pleased with or proud of, especially a vehicle, piece of machinery, or electronic device. A: "Wow, nice car!" B: "Thanks! Hop in—I'll show you what this baby can do!" I just bought a brand new sound system. I can't wait to take that baby home and crank some tunes! Whoa, check out the motorcycle! I wonder how fast this baby goes.

5. Some idea, project, or undertaking that one feels directly responsible for and very protective over. (Always comes after a possessive adjective.) This convention has been Sarah's baby for the last eight months, so I'm really glad for her that it all came together so well. Tom's been treating this new redevelopment plan like it's his baby or something, even though we all worked together to come up with it. The Christmas party is Dan's baby. I have no idea what the itinerary is.

6. Someone who is petulantly infantile or immature. Oh, boo-hoo, your sports team lost. So what? God, don't be such a baby! Tom always acts like a big baby whenever the boss doesn't go along with one of his ideas. Any time I beat my brother at anything, he is the biggest baby! Like, get over it, loser!