cariad
A Welsh term of endearment meaning darling or beloved, used in Wales both in Welsh-language contexts and in Welsh English.
Definitions
A Welsh term of endearment meaning darling or beloved, used in Wales both in Welsh-language contexts and in Welsh English. It is commonly heard as an affectionate address between partners, parents and children, or close friends. Its use in Welsh English signals Welsh cultural identity and warmth, much like 'hen' in Yorkshire or 'pet' in Geordie English. The word alone signals Welsh identity.
Come and have a cup of tea, cariad -- you look exhausted.
Comments
Welsh for 'darling' or 'sweetheart', this term of endearment is as soft and warm as the Welsh hills. Used freely in Wales to address loved ones, friends, or even strangers in a kind way — it's one of those words that feels like a verbal hug. As Welsh culture has gained wider appreciation in the UK and beyond, cariad has started to appear in everyday speech outside Wales too. If someone calls you cariad, take it as a genuine term of affection.
Don't worry, cariad — it'll all work out in the end, you'll see.
Comments
(Welsh) Darling.
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Semantically related
- crachach59%
(Wales, derogatory) A member of the Establishment in Wales, typically Welsh-speaking and holding an influential position but disregarding the interests of the Welsh people.
- wor lass59%
My wife / my girlfriend. "Wor" = "our" in Geordie; "wor lass" is a quintessentially Geordie way to refer to your female partner.
- craytur58%
(Ireland, slang, term of endearment) creature (a wretch).