A term of endearment for a romantic partner; also a candy or sweet treat (Tootsie Roll).
From baby talk 'toot,' possibly influenced by German 'Tante' (aunt). Emerged in early 1900s as informal affectionate slang. The candy brand Tootsie Roll (1896) took the informal word and made it famous.
Tootsie is pure American slang that somehow became a major candy brand—most brand names are invented, but Tootsie Roll actually adopted existing street slang, which is backwards from how naming usually works!
Diminutive slang term (from 'toot,' foot) that emerged in early 20th century as a trivializing endearment for women, often sex workers; embedded assumption that women are objects of desire rather than agents.
Avoid in formal contexts. If using colloquially, be aware it carries patronizing gendered history. Use 'sweetheart' or person's name instead.
["sweetheart","dear","use person's name"]
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