babe

[beyb]

noun

1. a baby or child.

   Synonyms: nursling, tot, infant, toddler

2. an innocent or inexperienced person.

3. Southern U.S.,  Usually Babe (used, often before the surname, as a familiar name for a boy or man, especially the youngest of a family.)

4. Slang.

   1. Sometimes Disparaging and Offensive.,  a girl or woman, especially an attractive one.

   2. an attractive young man.

   3. Sometimes Babe an affectionate or familiar term of address (sometimes offensive when used to strangers, casual acquaintances, subordinates, etc., especially by a male to a female).

babe

/ beɪb /

noun

1. a baby

2. informal,  a naive, gullible, or unsuspecting person (often in the phrase a babe in arms )

3. informal,  a young woman or man perceived as being sexually attractive

Word History and Origins

Origin of babe¹

First recorded in 1150–1200; 1915–20 babe for def. 4; Middle English; early Middle English baban, probably nursery word in origin

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. babe in the woods, an innocent, unsuspecting person, especially one likely to be victimized by others: Also babe in the wood.

   Some highly informed people are mere babes in the woods where the stock market is concerned.

Example Sentences

"He asked her 'Do you want this babe?' and she said no," Ms Whitby said.

From BBC

It started with a blowup with contestant Ace Greene after he vocalized his discomfort with Espinal touching him and using terms of endearment, in particular the word “babe.”

From Los Angeles Times

"Alright, babes," he said trying to comfort her.

From BBC

The lorry driver's final conversation with her ended with her saying: "OK babe, drive safe, I love you."

From BBC

She urged "breastfeeding mums" to make sure they eat and drink enough, "especially if your babe is clusterfeeding".

From BBC

Related Words

• bathing beauty 
• beauty queen 
• cover girl 
• cutie 
• cutie-pie 
• doll 
• dollface 
• fox 
• glamor girl www.thesaurus.com
• good-looking woman www.thesaurus.com
• pin-up 
• tomato