Hypocoristics, also known as pet names, are terms or phrases used to address someone with affection. These names reflect the close and intimate relationship of the speaker with the person being addressed. There are many synonyms for the word hypocoristics, including nicknames, endearments, pet names, terms of endearment, and diminutives, among others. All of these words describe special names that people use when talking to someone they love or care for deeply. People use these names as a way of showing endearment to the person they are talking to by giving them a special name that only they use.