endearment

IPA: ɪndˈɪrmʌnt

The act or process of endearing, of causing (something or someone) to be loved or to be the object of affection.
The state or characteristic of being endeared.
An expression of affection.

Examples of "endearment" in Sentences

Then send a text—with a term of endearment—that appears to be written to someone else.
“Fucking obese,” he'd say as if it was a term of endearment, as if it was expected of him.
The same word that's used as part of a vicious attack can sometimes be a term of endearment.
Now geek is a term of endearment among acolytes of technology, imbued with golden marketing potential.
But maybe it sounds weird to your ears because you're a guy, and you call this part of your anatomy you "spare tire," "love handles" or another term of endearment.
I've lost count of the number of times I've heard a BBC reporter make reference to "Stevie G", which might well be music to the ears of Scouse lovers, but to the rest of us this term endearment is vomit enducing.