little angel
28
2.7
- noun
- Baby Talk
:
angelito
- The baby is asleep in her crib, looking like a little angel.
- a sweet little angel
- Oh, my little angel
- a perfect little angel
And we see them as these little angels that we project all this stuff onto, and then we see them as adults who can't cope, essentially.
- And we see them as these little angels that we project all this stuff onto, and then we see them as adults who can't cope, essentially.
Examples
-
Thank you for the little angel, the newest addition to our family.
-
And when I opened my eyes, there she was, my little angel.
-
Just be the little angel I know is in there somewhere.
-
Sleeping like a little angel.
-
Thank you for sharing, and I am glad this little angel is still with you.
Blog text (27) -
What a gorgeous little angel!
-
That's my little angel, Chelsea.
-
Penny Lemaire: I am so happy that your little angel is okay.
Blog text (27) -
She's daddy's little angel.
-
You're such a little angel for helping your friend with homework.
Synonyms
Antonyms
How Well-Behaved
- Baby Talk
28
2.7
1
1.2
∞
1.0
145
1.0
- Informal
1
7.2
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'an affectionate term for a well-behaved or cherished child' follows directly from combining 'little' (small/young/affectionate) with 'angel' (a kind, pure person), so a B1 learner who knows both words can readily infer the complimentary label for a child. This adjective+noun composition and the common cultural metaphor of children as 'angels' are widespread across languages, supporting full transparency.
Etymology
The phrase little angel comes from the picture of a little angel, a tiny, kind figure people imagine around good children. People call a child a little angel to say they are 'well-behaved' or 'cherished', so the image of a small 'angel' helps you remember the meaning.