babytalk
6.3
A way adults speak to young children using simple words and a higher voice
- noun
- /ˈbeɪbiˌtɔk/
- Baby Talk
:
habla de bebé
- When reading to the baby, he always uses babytalk to keep her engaged and entertained.
Examples
-
She spoke to her puppy in babytalk, using high-pitched voices and simple phrases.
-
Parents often use babytalk to make their infants smile with silly sounds and soft words.
-
[indistinct babytalk]
-
Patrick (O.S.) (sing-song, babytalk)
Fiction book (2000) -
He asked this in a quizzical, half-facetious, half-babytalk, asking-permission tone.
Fiction book (1994)
Synonyms
baby talk
vsbabytalk
3
5.8
A soft, simple way adults speak to infants to show affection
is simpler with short sentences and exaggerated sounds for communication with young children
1
9.0
Speech adults use when talking to babies and young children with simple words and a slow, high voice
is more imitative and playful, focusing on exaggerated sounds rather than slow clarity
How Simplified
babytalk
- Baby Talk
motherese
1
9.0
- Specialized
1
9.0
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
Babytalk comes from baby ('infant') and talk ('speak'), and it also describes the simple, often higher-voiced way adults or performers speak when they talk with or imitate babies.