babe
UK: beɪb | US: beɪb
n. 1. (informal) A term of endearment for a loved one, often a romantic partner.
n. 2. (slang) An attractive person, typically a woman.
n. 3. (archaic/dialectal) A baby or young child.
The word "babe" originated as a variant of "baby," derived from Middle English baban (imitative of infant speech). It evolved as a colloquial term of affection, likely due to the association of babies with innocence and tenderness. By the 19th century, it gained slang usage for an attractive person, emphasizing youthfulness. The spelling "babe" preserves the original root without further segmentation.
"Hey babe, how was your day?"
"She’s such a babe in that new outfit."
(Archaic) "The babe slept soundly in the cradle."
"He whispered sweet nothings to his babe."
"Everyone turned heads when the babe walked into the room."