Affectionate plural form for lovely people, beautiful things, or something endearing; often used as a term of address.
From 'lovely' (full of love/beauty) with plural '-ies' added. British speakers especially use this as friendly slang for addressing groups of people.
The British absolutely love diminutives and affectionate plurals—'lovelies,' 'dears,' 'darlings'—it's like their language is wired to make everything sound warmer!
Historically used as diminutive term of endearment for women ('lovely' as beauty-coded compliment). Often carries patronizing tone when applied selectively to women.
Use only in explicitly affectionate peer contexts or plural addressing groups of any gender. Avoid as default gendered flattery.
["friends","colleagues","everyone","folks"]
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