little friend
The phrase "little friend" can have various meanings depending on the context, ranging from affectionate terms to condescending remarks.
Definition
A2Social Interaction
(affectionate)A small companion, often referring to a child or a pet.
Example
- She brought her little friend, a cute puppy, to the park.
B1Social Interaction
(affectionate, colloquial)A term of endearment for a close, younger friend.
Example
- My little friend and I have been inseparable since kindergarten.
B1Social Interaction
(affectionate, colloquial)A playful or affectionate term for a romantic partner.
Example
- He introduced his little friend to his parents during dinner.
B1Social Interaction
(affectionate, colloquial)A diminutive way to refer to someone smaller in stature or younger in age.
Example
- Despite his age, he still refers to his younger brother as his little friend.
B2Social Interaction
(condescending, colloquial)A condescending term implying the speaker's superiority over the person being referred to.
Example
- The manager's tone was patronizing when he called the new intern his little friend.
B2Film
(informal, pop culture)A famous line from the movie Scarface, often used to refer to a powerful or trusted ally.
Example
- "Say hello to my little friend!" he quoted, holding up his new gadget.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "little friend":
special friendold friendbig friendlady friendbest friendlittle onelittle guysquirrel friendtrue friendlittle manlittle ladylittle personlittle womanlittle boydumb friendmy dear fellowold matelittle girl