You’re in love, you’re in love, and you don’t care who knows it! Yes I did just quote the Christmas classic Elf—but for good reason! When you’re in love (or even when you just have a whole lot of affection for someone), it’s natural to want to give them a cute nickname that makes them feel special, but that also means something special to your relationship. And while yes, ideally, your nickname for your partner is personal to you, like an inside joke or something from a memorable shared experience, you can’t always guarantee a serendipitous moment that’ll make the perfect nickname appear out of thin air—especially if the relationship is new and you still want to call them something sweet. Enter: Our giant list of cute nicknames to call your boyfriend or partner. (All of these are gender neutral and work on everyone!) At least one is sure to stand out or help you draw inspiration so you can brainstorm your own nickname for your SO.
Can nicknames for your partner sometimes be kind of cringe? Yes. But can being in love in general, at times, be kinda cringe? Also yes! So don’t let anything or anyone hold you back from expressing how obsessed you are with your person. And remember: You don’t need to be in a committed relationship to use a nickname. Hell, even if you’re just hooking up, you can still call them something hot while you’re getting it on. “Daddy” isn’t a pet name for nothing, and if you use it while they least expect it, expect fireworks.
So, ahem, without further ado: The best nicknames to call your partner, right this way.
Generally cute nicknames for your boyfriend
- Boo
- Booboo Bear
- Sweetheart
- Baby Boy
- Baby/Babe
- Baby Love
- Boo Thang
- Love Bug
- Good-Looking
- Sunshine
- Darling
- Hun
- Bub
- Cariño (Darling in Spanish)
- Amor (Love in Spanish)
- Mi Corazon (My Heart in Spanish)
Food-related nicknames for your boyfriend
- Sugarplum
- Sugar
- Peanut
- Jellybean
- Sweet Cheeks
- Sweetie
- Sweets
- Sweat Pea
- Cupcake
- Honey Bun
- Honey Pot
- My Honey
- Honey
- Honey Pie
- Cutie Pie
- Muffin
- Pumpkin
- Dumpling
- Pudding
- Baby Cake
- Hot Cakes
- Cookie
- Nugget
- Tater Tot
- Big Mac
Pop-culture nicknames for your boyfriend
- McDreamy
- McSteamy
- Prince Charming
- Hercules
- Romeo
- Princess Sophia
- Pooh Bear
- Mr. Big
- Squishy
Nicknames for your friend-with-benefits
- Baby/Babe
- Sexy
- Hottie
- Doll Face
- Big Guy
- Playboy
- Hunk
- Casanova
- Sneaky Link
- My Man
- Daddy
- Tiger
- Stallion
Nicknames for your fiancé/husband
- Hubby
- Handsome
- Mister
- Bubba
- Love/ My Love
- Love Dove
- Goober
- Old Man
- Fella
- Cutie Patootie
- Mi Amor (My love in Spanish)
- Bebe (Baby in Spanish)
Nicknames for the guy you’re casual with
- Pal
- Cutie
- Lover Boy
- A shortening of their name. So if their name is Taylor, call them “Tay.”
- The first letter of their name. So if their name is Derrick, call them “D.”
- Their middle name.
- My dude/guy
Nicknames for the father of your child
- Baby Daddy
- Big Daddy
- Big Papa
- Papi
- Pops
- Zaddy
- Papa Bear
- Partner
***
This article originally appeared on Cosmopolitan.com. Minor edits have been made by the Cosmo.ph editors.
MORE STUFF ABOUT BOYFRIENDS!
53 Instagram Captions For The Perfect Anniversary Post
40 *Super Kilig* Instagram Captions To Use On Your Relationship Anniversary
Here’s Exactly How (And Why!) You Should Soft Launch Your Relationship On Instagram
To My Instagram Boyfriend And BFF: A Guide On How To Take Better Pictures Of ME