pet

   Applied at first to an animal that was treated with special fondness, ‘pet’ was being used of a person who was a favourite by the eighteenth century. It can roughly be equated with ‘darling’ when used as a vocative.

   In Britain, ‘Pet’ is mainly associated in modern times with the north-east. James Mitchell remarks, in When the Boat Comes In: ‘“Yes, pet.” “No, pet.” Perhaps the strongest terms of endearment they knew, although Tyneside was rich in endearing words - pet, hinnie, bonnie lass.’ Mrs Cecily Dynes writes from Australia to say that ‘pet’ is commonly used there to address children. ‘The time got away from us, didn’t it, pet?’ says an Australian mother to her child in War Brides, by Lois Battle. ‘Pet’ is also used in the USA. Sinclair Lewis comments on its use in Bethel Merriday. ‘“My pet!” “Pet” was Zed’s standard word of endearment, as “darling” and “kitten” were Andy’s and “child” was Doc Keezer’s.’

   An even better-known literary use occurs in Little Dorrit, where Minnie Meagles is always addressed as ‘Pet’ by her parents, so that the word virtually replaces her first name. See also Teacher’s pet.