Dear old/little…
adjective
Used to express fondness or affection for something or someone old or small.
My dear little brother baked cookies for me.
Often appears as...
- dear old friend
- dear little child
Usage tips
Idiomatic
adjective
Used ironically to suggest that someone or something is a nuisance or annoyance.
The dear old dog has chewed my shoes again.
Often appears as...
- dear old thing
- dear little problem
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
adjective
Used to express fondness or affection for something or someone old or small.
My dear little brother baked cookies for me.
Often appears as...
- dear old friend
- dear little child
Usage tips
Idiomatic
adjective
Used ironically to suggest that someone or something is a nuisance or annoyance.
The dear old dog has chewed my shoes again.
Often appears as...
- dear old thing
- dear little problem
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Expressing Warmth
The phrase conveys warmth and affection, often used for family or close friends.
I spent the weekend at my dear old grandma's house.
Pro Tip 2/3Diminutive Affection
Adding 'little' can imply the subject is endearing or evoke a protective feeling.
Look at my dear little kitten sleeping!
Pro Tip 3/3Nostalgic Tone
Use it to suggest a sense of nostalgia about someone or something from the past.
I miss the dear old days of childhood.
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